In a significant development on Monday, the Supreme Court of India granted bail to businessman Abhishek Boinpally, who is embroiled in the controversial Delhi excise policy case. The case has been under intense scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The decision came after it was noted that all other accused in the case had previously been granted bail.
Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Aravind Kumar, presiding over the bench, expressed that the consistent bail status of co-accused influenced their decision. “It is not in dispute that all other accused in the case are on bail. Considering the above circumstance, we are inclined to grant bail,” the bench stated. They have allowed the trial judge to establish any necessary conditions for Boinpally’s bail.
The bench’s decision followed after Abhishek Boinpally had been granted interim bail on March 6, and his relief had been repeatedly extended. During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, stated he would not oppose the bail, aligning with the precedent set for the other accused.
Senior advocate Vikram Chaudhary, advocating for Boinpally, highlighted the restrictions previously placed on his client during the interim bail, which limited his travel to his hometown, Hyderabad, without the possibility of traveling elsewhere. He requested that these conditions be reconsidered by the trial court when setting permanent bail conditions. The bench clarified that the travel restriction was specifically for the interim bail period.
Boinpally’s legal troubles began with his arrest on October 9, 2022, following allegations that he served as a conduit for illicit money transfers involved in the excise policy scandal. Despite being released on bail in a CBI case related to the same allegations, the ED later arrested him. He has been accused of contributing to undue advantages for private liquor traders under the excise policy for the year 2021-22.
His ongoing legal battle saw a setback when the Delhi High Court rejected his bail plea on July 3, 2023, prompting him to seek relief from the Supreme Court. The apex court’s decision to grant bail is seen as a crucial development in his case, providing a temporary respite as the trial continues to loom.
