A Delhi court on Monday closed the corruption case against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) found no evidence of illegal gains [CBI V Satyendar Jain & Ors].

Special Judge (PC Act) Dig Vinay Singh of the Rouse Avenue Courts accepted CBI's closure report, noting that after four years of investigation, there was no evidence of corruption against Jain.

There is no material whatsoever even to suggest a criminal conspiracy, the Court said.

"The allegations, as presented, and the factual background are not sufficient to warrant further investigation or to initiate proceedings. The law clearly states that suspicion cannot replace proof. It is also worth noting that, even to charge someone, mere suspicion is not enough; at least strong suspicion would be necessary to proceed," the Court said.

It then proceeded to close the case.

It was alleged that when Jain was serving as the Public Works Department (PWD) minister in the Delhi government, he approved the hiring of a 17-member team of consultants for the PWD through outsourcing thereby, bypassing standard government recruitment procedures.

The vigilance department filed a complaint based on which an FIR was registered against Jain in May 2019.

After four years of investigation, the CBI found that the hiring of professionals was necessary due to urgent departmental needs and that the recruitment process was transparent and competitive.

The agency said that it found no evidence of corruption, criminal conspiracy, undue favour or personal gain.

After considering the closure report, the Court accepted the same and closed the case.

It added that if any fresh material is received against anyone, the CBI would be at liberty to investigate the matter further.

[Read Order]