New Delhi, July 31, 2025 

A Delhi court on Wednesday strongly criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for a misleading social media post that implied cash and gold seizures were made directly from the premises of AAP leader Satyendar Jain, despite the recoveries being made from other accused in the case.

The observation was made by Special Judge Vikas Dhull while hearing arguments in the ongoing money laundering case involving Jain. The court noted that the ED’s official tweet from June 2022 gave the “wrong impression” to the public and media that the recoveries were made from Jain’s house.

“Investigating agencies are expected to act fairly and remain neutral. Their communication, particularly on social media, should not mislead the public or create a narrative that prejudices an ongoing trial,” the court said.

The tweet in question had stated that during searches conducted in connection with the Jain case, ₹2.85 crore in cash and 133 gold coins were recovered. However, the court clarified that these items were seized from third parties allegedly linked to Jain  not from his own premises.

The court emphasised that such representation was “not only factually misleading but also harmful to the integrity of the judicial process.” No direct link between Jain and the recovered assets was established at that time.

While the ED has maintained that the recoveries were part of its wider investigation into the money laundering allegations against Jain and his associates, the court stressed that public statements must not go beyond what has been legally established or admitted before the court.

The court did not issue any penal order against the agency but made it clear that further carelessness in public communication could undermine public trust and judicial fairness.

Satyendar Jain, a senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Cabinet Minister, was arrested by the ED in May 2022 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency accused Jain of being involved in money laundering through shell companies between 2010 and 2016. Jain has denied all allegations, calling the case politically motivated.

He was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on medical grounds in November 2022, and his bail has since been periodically extended.

Case Title: Directorate of Enforcement vs. Satyendar Kumar Jain & Ors.