Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 3: The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted interim bail to former Chhattisgarh Excise Minister and sitting Congress legislator Kawasi Lakhma in multiple corruption and money-laundering cases arising from the State’s alleged multi-crore liquor scam.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, while considering Lakhma’s extended custody and the remote possibility of the trial concluding anytime soon, allowed the relief in cases registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The Bench, which also included Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi, noted that Lakhma has remained behind bars since January 2025. It further took into account the scale of the prosecution, which plans to examine 865 witnesses in the EOW case and 117 witnesses in the ED matter.
The court observed that of the 52 accused named across the cases, 22 have been arrested, while 19 have already secured bail, underscoring the need to ensure parity and protect personal liberty.
Highlighting the complexity of the case and the vast number of accused and witnesses, the Supreme Court remarked that both investigation and trial are expected to consume considerable time. It cautioned that an unduly rushed trial could weaken the prosecution, while prolonged incarceration without conclusion could violate the fundamental right to life and liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
At the same time, the court imposed strict conditions on Lakhma’s interim release.
He has been barred from entering Chhattisgarh, except for attending court proceedings, for which he may enter the State only a day in advance. The court ruled out any exemption from personal appearance before the trial court, except on medical grounds.
Lakhma has also been prohibited from travelling abroad and has been directed to surrender his passport to the trial court. He must disclose his place of residence and mobile number to the local police station and the ED officer concerned, and any change will require prior approval of the Special Judge.
While allowing him to attend public events, the Bench made it clear that Lakhma must refrain from commenting on the allegations forming part of the charge sheets or ongoing investigations. He has also been expressly restrained from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence, directly or indirectly.
Lakhma, who served as Excise Minister between 2019 and 2023, was arrested by the ED on January 15, 2025, and subsequently by the EOW on April 2, 2025. The alleged liquor scam is estimated to have caused a loss exceeding Rs 2,100 crore to the Chhattisgarh exchequer.
Both the State government and the ED had opposed his bail plea, arguing that the investigation was still underway and had allegedly uncovered a wider conspiracy involving ministers, political figures and senior officials, leading to massive losses to public funds.