Supreme Court Grants Interim Protection to OAS Officer Bijaya Ketan Sahoo in Money Laundering Case
Background
On June 24, 2024, the Supreme Court of India granted interim protection from arrest to Bijaya Ketan Sahoo, an Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer, who is accused of money laundering in connection with a disproportionate assets case. The case involves allegations of possessing assets worth Rs. 5 crore, disproportionate to Sahoo’s known sources of income.
Court’s Order
The vacation bench, comprising Justices A.S. Oka and Rajesh Bindal, issued a notice in response to Sahoo’s plea for anticipatory bail. The Court directed Sahoo to appear before the Special Court within two weeks and to furnish bail bonds under Section 88 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The Court’s order reads:
“Issue notice, returnable on 29th of July. The Petitioner shall not be arrested in connection with the complaint, subject to the condition that within two weeks from today, the petitioner must appear before the Special Court and furnish bonds under Section 88 of the CrPC.”
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Sahoo sought anticipatory bail after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a case of money laundering against him, following an FIR that implicated Sahoo, his wife Nalini Prusty, a State Financial Official, and several family members for possessing disproportionate assets. The FIR alleged that the couple, along with their relatives, had acquired various properties, including six plots and a triple-storied building in Bhubaneswar, using illicit funds. These properties were reportedly registered in the name of a relative who had no independent source of income.
Arguments and Defense
In his plea, Sahoo contended that he had been cooperating with the investigation for the past three years and had not been arrested during this period. The anticipatory bail petition was filed only after the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) issued a summons notice. Sahoo’s counsel emphasized his client’s cooperation with the investigation, arguing that the arrest was unnecessary and that Sahoo was willing to comply with all legal requirements.
Supreme Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant interim protection provides Sahoo with temporary relief from arrest, allowing him time to present his case before the Special Court. The protection is conditional upon his appearance and compliance with the bail bond requirements, ensuring that he remains available for further legal proceedings.
Case Details
The case, titled “Bijaya Ketan Sahoo vs. Enforcement Directorate” (Diary No. – 23039/2024), will continue to be under scrutiny as the Court has set a returnable date for July 29, 2024, for further proceedings.
