The Calcutta High Court has denied bail to Partha Chatterjee, the former West Bengal Education Minister, in connection with a money laundering case related to a school employment scandal.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, acting as the single judge, noted that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had seized assets totaling ₹54.88 crores, including cash and jewellery, from locations associated with Chatterjee.
The Court emphasized that the evidence, including the consistent statements of witnesses and the relationship between Chatterjee and co-accused Arpita Mukherjee, did not support granting bail under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Referring to previous court orders, the judge highlighted the importance of the right to a speedy trial and access to justice, as enshrined in the Constitution and relevant laws.
The Enforcement Directorate opposed Chatterjee’s bail plea, arguing that both he and Mukherjee were involved in a conspiracy to unlawfully provide teaching positions in exchange for bribes, resulting in significant proceeds from crime.
The Court sided with the ED’s arguments and dismissed Chatterjee’s bail application.
Senior Advocate Sandipan Ganguly, along with a team of advocates, represented Partha Chatterjee, while Advocates Phiroze Edulji and Anamika Pandey appeared for the Enforcement Directorate.
The case title is “Partha Chatterjee vs Enforcement Directorate“.
Share your news, articles, deals, columns, or press releases with us! Click the link to submit and join our platform today.
