Court Cites Investigation Completion and Parity with Co-Accused as Grounds for Bail
Raipur: In a significant legal development, the Chhattisgarh High Court has granted bail to Saumya Chaurasia, an accused in the high-profile Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam, which allegedly involved the laundering of over Rs. 2,883 crores. The decision was pronounced by Justice Arvind Kumar Verma on February 28, 2026, granting relief to Chaurasia under the stringent conditions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
Chaurasia, who served as Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister, has been accused of playing a supervisory role in the alleged liquor syndicate, which reportedly manipulated the excise policy to generate massive proceeds of crime. Despite the gravity of the allegations, the court found that the twin conditions under Section 45 of the PMLA were prima facie satisfied, justifying her release on bail.
The court's decision came after considering that the investigation is substantially complete, with the prosecution complaint already filed. It also noted that several co-accused, including principal conspirators, have been granted bail, thereby entitling Chaurasia to similar relief based on the principle of parity. The court emphasized that the severity of the accusations cannot solely justify continued detention, especially when the trial is likely to be prolonged.
Justice Verma highlighted that while economic offences are serious, the right to liberty, as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution, must be preserved. The court imposed stringent conditions for bail, requiring Chaurasia to surrender her passport, appear regularly before the trial court, and avoid contact with witnesses or tampering with evidence.
The court's ruling also considered the Supreme Court's directive to prioritize the bail application in light of previous bail orders favoring Chaurasia and co-accused. The decision marks a critical point in the ongoing legal proceedings of the Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam, underscoring the balance between legal processes and individual liberties.
Bottom Line:
Grant of bail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 - Allegations pertain to economic offences of serious nature, but gravity of accusation alone cannot justify denial of bail when investigation is substantially complete and trial is likely to take considerable time - Applicant's role is supervisory and peripheral compared to principal conspirators already enlarged on bail.
Statutory provision(s): Sections 3, 4, 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002; Article 21 of the Constitution of India
Saumya Chaurasia v. Directorate Of Enforcement, (Chhattisgarh) : Law Finder Doc id # 2861360
