Delhi High Court seeks State response on bail plea by AAP MLA Naresh Balyan

The Delhi High Court on Monday sought the State's response to a bail plea filed by Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Naresh Balyan in connection with his arrest in a case registered under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) [Naresh Balyan v. State NCT of Delhi]..A trial court in Delhi had rejected Balyan's bail plea earlier this month, prompting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader to move the High Court for relief. Justice Vikas Mahajan today issued notice on his regular bail plea and sought the response of the Public Prosecutor for the State of Delhi. The matter will be heard next on January 23. .Balyan was arrested on December 4, 2024 on allegations that he was linked to a criminal syndicate headed by gangster Kapil Sangwan. On January 15 this year, Judge Kaveri Baweja rejected Balyan's bail plea, after observing that there was sufficient evidence to indicate a link between the AAP leader and the organised crime syndicate headed by Sangwan. The Rouse Avenue Court judge further noted the stringent requirements for bail under the MCOCA and held that Balyan did not satisfy these requirements to be released on bail. The judge opined that there is nothing to hold that Balyan was not guilty of the alleged offences or that he would not commit a similar offence while out on bail. She also agreed with the State's argument that Balyan may influence witnesses and hamper trial if he is allowed bail.Before this, Balyan had secured bail in an extortion case on December 4, only to be arrested hours later in the MCOCA case. .Representing Balyan before the High Court today, Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa contended that the AAP leader should not remain in custody for even a single day as there is not a shred of evidence against him. He also requested the High Court to grant Balyan interim relief, particularly in view of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. "I (referring to Naresh Balyan) am not a criminal ... The entire objective will be frustrated. At least I could participate in elections, help my wife (who is contesting elections)," Pahwa urged the Court. .Delhi court restrains Times Now Navbharat from publishing news spread by gangster against AAP MLA Naresh Balyan.Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.