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Arvind Dham v. Directorate of Enforcement

Not available · 2026 INSC 12Decided 6 Jan 2026
Not available
Justice Alok Aradhe · Justice Sanjay Kumar

Background

A businessman accused in a large bank-fraud money-laundering case had been in custody for over 16 months, with investigation complete, no cognizance yet taken, and 210 witnesses still to be examined.

Decision Breakdown

The Supreme Court held continued detention violated his right to a speedy trial under Article 21, economic offences cannot be treated as one uniform category justifying automatic bail denial, and granted bail with conditions.

Lesson Learnt

Being accused of a serious economic offence doesn't by itself justify indefinite pre-trial detention; courts must weigh how long someone has been jailed and whether trial is realistically progressing.

Official source (sci.gov.in)View Judgment (PDF)

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