Today, Delhi High Court ordered ED to release Amanatullah Khan, AAP MLA who was connected to a money laundering case connected to the alleged irregularities in Delhi Waqf Board recruitment. Special Judge Jitendra Singh refused to take cognizance against him under PMLA for the lack of requisite sanction in terms of 197 (1) of Cr.P.C.
The court said today, “there is no legal ground to justify further detention of the accused AAP MLA Khan in judicial custody. Keeping the accused in JC in these circumstances when the cognizance has been declined for the absence of sanction u/s 197 (1) Cr.P.C., shall tantamount to illegal custody.” The judge directed that the accused be released on furnishing personal bond of Rs. 1 Lakh with one surety for securing the presence in the case in future.
Previously ED alleged that AAP MLA Khan acquired a large amount of cash from illegal recruitment of staff in Delhi Waqf Board. When he was the chairman of that board recruited various people and he also violated government rules and regulations.
Khan was arrested by ED on September 2 from his residence. Earlier he applied for his anticipatory bail on March 11 but the SC refused to entertain his petition against the verdict on April 23.
