New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court has granted liquor entrepreneur Sameer Mahendru the permission to travel internationally to visit his ailing father-in-law, despite his involvement in the money laundering case associated with the purported Delhi excise policy scam. A bench led by Justice Vikas Mahajan instructed the trial court to return Mahendru's passport to facilitate his trip to Dubai from January 9 to January 16, 2025, and also mandated the suspension of the Look Out Circular (LOC) against him for the duration of his travel.

Mahendru’s attorney argued that he has consistently appeared before the lower court and pointed out that other co-defendants had also been allowed to travel abroad.

Conversely, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) contested the application, citing unverified claims as Mahendru did not provide specific documentation to support the medical condition of his father-in-law.

After reviewing the arguments, the Justice Mahajan-led bench approved Mahendru’s request and instructed the relevant investigating officer to notify the appropriate authorities about the granted travel permission.

Earlier, on September 9, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Sameer Mahendru, taking into account the extended duration of his incarceration and the delays in trial proceedings. Under the bail order, Mahendru was prohibited from leaving India without court consent.

The prosecution alleges that Sameer Mahendru significantly benefited from excise policy violations, managing an alcoholic beverage manufacturing operation and possessing wholesale and retail licenses in his and his family's names.

He is accused of playing a pivotal role in the creation of the excise policy and being one of the principal conspirators.

The ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are collaboratively investigating this case, which has implicated several prominent figures, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

During its investigation, the ED discovered that proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 45 crore, linked to 'bribes' received from the 'South Group', were utilized by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for campaigning during the 2021-22 Assembly elections in Goa.