PMLA case: In U-turn, ED tells Delhi HC it agrees to defer trial against AAP’s Satyendar Jain

But ED had opposed Jain’s plea before the court, submitting that the former Delhi health minister’s application was “a gross misuse and abuse of process of law”. The central agency blamed Jain for “trying to create impasse by preventing this court from proceeding with the trial.” Special Judge (Prevention of Corruption Act) Rakesh Syal then refused to defer the trial court proceedings in an order dated September 4, 2024. Later, Jain challenged the trial court’s order before the Delhi High Court last November.

On Monday, ED’s counsel Zoheb Hossain told Justice Vikas Mahajan that there have been “subsequent developments”, including the filing of a supplementary chargesheet in the predicate offence lodged by the CBI on January 3.

Hossain also pointed out that the “disproportionate assets” following the CBI probe, now stand revised from Rs 1.47 crore to Rs 3.95 crore.

“Our (ED’s) original PC (prosecution complaint) is filed on the 1.47-crore offence… (ED) is not asking (this HC) to rule on whether charges can continue but to a limited extent, I’m agreeable to petitioner’s (prayer) that arguments be deferred on charge,” said Hossain.

Senior advocate N Hariharan, representing Jain, however, added that they want to file a response to ED’s application. “You’ll blow hot and cold as it suits you…I’ll file a reply,” he said.

Seeking his response to the ED’s application, Justice Mahajan issued a notice to Jain. The court has now posted the matter next for consideration on March 3.