‘No Way to Treat Citizens’: SC Slams ED, Upholds Shivakumar’s Bail

The bench reportedly criticised the ED for “copy-pasting” arguments from the plea against P Chidambaram.

DK Shivakumar with Rahul Gandhi.

(Photo Courtesy: Facebook/DK Shivakumar)

The Supreme Court on Friday, 15 November, dismissed the Enforcement Directorate's plea challenging the Delhi High Court order granting bail to Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar in a money laundering case, news agency PTI reported.

A bench comprising Justices RF Nariman and S Ravindra Bhat rejected the request of the Solicitor General, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate (ED), to issue a notice to the other side on the appeal.

The bench also reportedly criticised the ED for “copy-pasting” arguments from the plea against P Chidambaram since Shivakumar was referred to as “the former home minister” in the ED’s appeal.

“This is not the way you treat citizens,” Justice Nariman told the ED, IANS reported.

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday, 25 October filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court order granting bail to the Congress leader.

The Delhi HC on 23 October had granted bail to the Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar on a personal bond of Rs 25 lakh in connection with a money laundering case.

The HC also said that Shivakumar cannot tamper with evidence as documents are with investigating agencies and there is no material to show he has influenced witnesses.

Shivakumar, who was in judicial custody, was released from Tihar jail the same day.