New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has on Tuesday granted interim bail to former Chhattisgarh Excise Minister and current Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma in relation to corruption and money laundering cases that are tied to the state's multi-crore liquor scam.

The court, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, acknowledged Lakhma's lengthy imprisonment and the improbability of a swift trial resolution. The bail pertains to cases filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, which is under investigation by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, which is being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The bench, which also included Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi, noted that Lakhma has been incarcerated since January 2025 and that the prosecution intends to summon a total of 865 witnesses for the EOW case and 117 witnesses for the ED case.

The apex court also pointed out that out of the 52 accused individuals named, 22 have been arrested while 19 have already been granted bail.

“Considering the multitude of allegations, the nature of the scam that has engulfed the state, and the significant number of accused and witnesses, both investigation and trial are likely to take considerable time. A swift trial could adversely affect the prosecution's case,” the Supreme Court remarked, noting that indefinite detention could violate rights enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution.

However, while granting interim bail, the CJI Kant-led bench imposed strict conditions.

Lakhma is prohibited from entering Chhattisgarh except for court appearances, and he must arrive a day in advance of any hearing. He is not exempt from appearing in person at the trial court unless for health reasons.

Additionally, the apex court has mandated that Lakhma cannot travel outside the country and must submit his passport to the trial court. He is required to inform the jurisdictional police station and the ED officer of his residence and mobile number, which cannot be altered without the Special Judge's consent.

While he is allowed to engage in public events, the CJI Kant-led bench specified that Lakhma must not make any statements regarding the allegations under investigation. He is also barred from directly or indirectly influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence.

Former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma, who served in this role from 2019 to 2023, was taken into custody by the ED on January 15, 2025, followed by his arrest by the EOW on April 2, 2025, over the alleged liquor scam, which is estimated to have cost the state government more than Rs 2,100 crore.

The state administration and the ED opposed Lakhma's bail application, asserting that the ongoing investigation has uncovered alleged collusion involving ministers, political figures, and senior officials, leading to considerable losses to the public treasury.