High Court to Hear Lal Singh’s Bail A Day After Polling
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court (HC) has scheduled a hearing for April 20, regarding a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking the cancellation of bail for Choudhary Lal Singh in connection to a money laundering case. Lal Singh, a former minister, was released on bail last year and has since filed his nomination papers for the Udhampur constituency, set to go to polls on the same day.
The Enforcement Directorate has invoked various provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in its plea to revoke Lal Singh’s bail, citing concerns related to the ongoing investigation.
Lal Singh, a two-time MP, was arrested by the ED last year in connection to an alleged money laundering case involving an educational trust run by his wife, former MLA Kanta Andotra. Despite spending time in ED custody and jail, Lal Singh was granted interim bail on November 24 under specific conditions set by the court.
Besides, Lal Singh, amidst the legal proceedings, has officially entered the electoral fray by filing his nomination papers for the Udhampur Lok Sabha seat. His nomination includes a detailed declaration of assets, where Lal Singh disclosed his own income as Rs 4.55 lakhs and his wife’s as Rs 16.74 lakhs. He listed immovable assets, including land worth over Rs 1.50 crore in his name and Rs 53 lakhs in his wife’s name, alongside inherited property valued at Rs 90 lakhs and Rs 50 lakhs, respectively. Additionally, he revealed possessing 150 gms of gold worth Rs 9.45 lakhs, while his wife possesses 600 gms valued at Rs 37.80 lakhs. Their loans and liabilities amount to Rs 25.34 lakhs, while their movable assets/vehicles are valued at Rs 26.53 lakh and Rs 73.60 lakhs, respectively.
After filing his nomination papers, Lal Singh addressed a sizable rally at the Ram Lila Maidan, expressing his determination to represent the interests of the people of Jammu.
The upcoming election in Udhampur promises to be closely contested, with various political parties aligning and rallying behind their respective candidates. With significant support from regional parties and a strong campaign strategy, Lal Singh aims to secure victory and address the grievances of the people of Jammu.
The outcome of the court hearing on April 19 regarding Lal Singh’s bail cancellation plea will likely impact the dynamics of the election race, adding a layer of legal complexity to an already intense political contest in Jammu and Kashmir.
