Sukesh Chandrasekhar Granted Bail in AIADMK ‘Two Leaves’ Money Laundering Case

A Delhi court on Tuesday granted bail to businessman Sukesh Chandrasekhar in a money laundering case linked to the ruling of the AIADMK’s “two leaves” election symbol, according to reports by PTI. Chandrasekhar was accused of attempting to strike a ₹50 crore deal to help a faction of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) retain the party’s poll symbol during a by-election for the R K Nagar Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu. The case had first emerged in 2017 with the arrest of a middleman involved in the alleged transaction.

The case relates to an alleged attempt to bribe an Election Commission official by TTV Dinakaran, a leader of the AIADMK (Amma) faction. Authorities had previously seized ₹1.30 crore in cash and two luxury cars—a BMW and a Mercedes—from Chandrasekhar in connection with the matter. The allegations raised concerns over political manipulation of electoral symbols and financial misconduct.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne granted bail to Chandrasekhar on a personal bond and a surety bond of ₹5 lakh each, citing that he had already endured “excessive detention.” The judge clarified that while the charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) were serious, the special legislation could not be used to override the constitutional right to liberty for an accused individual.

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The court emphasized that the existence of 31 cases, including the current money laundering case, did not prevent Chandrasekhar from receiving bail in this instance. Of these, he was already out on bail in 26 cases. The judge noted that prolonged detention without trial would further infringe on his rights, particularly as proceedings in both the predicate offence and the PMLA complaint had been effectively stayed for several years.

Judge Gogne also highlighted that the period of detention Chandrasekhar had already served exceeded “half of the period of proposed imprisonment under section 4 of the PMLA,” a benchmark considered in evaluating bail applications under the law. The ruling reflects the court’s approach of balancing the seriousness of the charges with fundamental constitutional protections.

Chandrasekhar, however, will remain in custody for other pending cases against him. Legal experts note that the bail order pertains strictly to this specific case and does not affect investigations or trials in his other matters, which include multiple allegations of financial fraud and high-profile criminal activities.

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