Sukesh Chandrasekhar granted bail in AIADMK ‘two leaves’ symbol scam, remains in jail

A Delhi court on Tuesday granted bail to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar in a money laundering case linked to the AIADMK’s “two leaves” symbol bribery scandal, though he will remain in jail due to 31 other pending cases.

The order was passed by Special Judge Vishal Gogne at the Rouse Avenue Court, granting bail on a personal bond and surety of ₹5 lakh each. The court noted that Chandrasekhar had already spent over half of the maximum seven-year sentence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act without trial in this case.

Stressing the importance of personal liberty, the court observed that it cannot be curtailed indefinitely under the guise of special laws or economic offences. While acknowledging the seriousness of money laundering, the judge said such laws cannot justify prolonged incarceration without trial.

The case by the Enforcement Directorate stems from a 2017 FIR alleging Chandrasekhar acted as a middleman for former AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran. He was accused of attempting to bribe the Election Commission of India with ₹50 lakh to secure the party’s “two leaves” symbol for the faction led by VK Sasikala.

Investigators said ₹1.3 crore in cash was recovered and allegedly meant to influence the poll panel. The ED further claimed Chandrasekhar facilitated the transfer of ₹2 crore from Chennai to Delhi and projected ₹63.78 lakh as legitimate funds.

Despite multiple cases against him, the court held that this alone could not override his right to bail in the present matter, particularly as he has already secured bail in 26 of them.

The judge also cited prolonged delays, noting that proceedings in both the predicate offence and the ED case have been stayed by the Delhi High Court for years, leading to extended detention without trial.

Invoking Section 479(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which provides for bail to undertrials who have served half of the maximum sentence, the court said the case was “ripe” for relief.

While granting bail, the court imposed conditions including surrender of passport, travel restrictions, and a prohibition on influencing witnesses. However, Chandrasekhar will remain behind bars for now due to other pending cases.