A Delhi court has granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain in the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) corruption case involving alleged irregularities in the tendering process for sewage treatment plant (STP) projects.
Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh allowed Jain's bail application and directed him to furnish a personal bond of ₹2 lakh along with two sureties of the like amount. A detailed order is awaited.
The case stems from allegations relating to the award of contracts for the augmentation and upgradation of sewage treatment plants under the Delhi Jal Board during Jain's tenure as Delhi's Water Minister.
According to the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), tender conditions were allegedly manipulated to favour a particular private company, Euroteck Environmental Private Limited. Investigators have further alleged that the capacity of the Rohini Sewage Treatment Plant was increased from 15 million gallons per day (MGD) to 30 MGD without a proper technical feasibility study, resulting in a cost escalation of approximately ₹123 crore.
The FIR was registered in May 2024 on the basis of a complaint made by the Directorate of Vigilance. The complaint alleged large-scale irregularities, manipulation of tender conditions, and criminal conspiracy in the tendering process associated with Delhi Jal Board projects.
Jain was arrested by the ACB and subsequently remanded to judicial custody. During the bail proceedings, the defence highlighted the substantial delay between the registration of the FIR and Jain's arrest. Reports indicate that the court took note of the delay while considering the bail plea.
The grant of bail does not amount to an acquittal, and the criminal proceedings against Jain will continue in accordance with law. The court's decision allows him to remain at liberty subject to compliance with the bail conditions imposed.