| ASPECTS | DETAILS |
| Case Title | Pooja Singhal vs. Directorate of Enforcement |
| Introduction | Supreme Court rejects Pooja Singhal’s bail plea in a money laundering case related to alleged embezzlement of MNREGA funds in Khunti district. |
| Factual Background | Singhal, a former IAS officer, was arrested in 2022 for alleged embezzlement during 2009-2010. ED alleges she received a 5% commission in development projects from MGNREGA funds. |
| Legal Issues | Bail application, the severity of charges, medical condition, progress of trial, witnesses’ statements. |
| Applicable Law | Criminal Procedure Code, Prevention of Money Laundering Act. |
| Analysis | Court found charges severe, substantial cash recovered from Singhal’s Chartered Accountant, and noted the progress of trial. |
| Conclusion | SC denied bail, stating trial should proceed expeditiously, but Singhal can revive the bail plea in changed circumstances. |
| Current Scenario | Singhal’s bail was denied, the trial was ongoing, and 12 out of 17 witnesses were examined. |
CASE SUMMARY – The Supreme Court rejected former IAS officer Pooja Singhal’s bail plea in a money laundering case related to the alleged embezzlement of MNREGA funds in Khunti district. Singhal was denied bail by the Jharkhand High Court as well. The ED informed the court that 12 out of 17 witnesses had already been deposed. Singhal was given the liberty to revive the bail plea in case of changed circumstances or if the trial gets prolonged due to reasons not attributable to her or her co-accused.
SOURCE – THE HINDU
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