Delhi Court Adjourns ED Chargesheet Hearing to February 13 in Al Falah Money-Laundering Case
A Delhi court on Saturday adjourned the hearing on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) chargesheet against Al Falah Group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, listing the matter for February 13 to hear arguments on whether to take cognisance of the document. Additional sessions judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan granted the adjournment after Siddiqui's defence team requested more time to examine the voluminous chargesheet and supporting documents, which reportedly span nearly 10,000 pages.
Defence Seeks Time Amid Custody Constraints
The court was informed that Siddiqui's legal representatives have been unable to consult with him directly, as he is currently in the custody of the Delhi Police Crime Branch in connection with a separate case. This custody situation has complicated the defence's ability to prepare a thorough response to the ED's allegations, prompting the request for additional time to review the extensive material.
ED's Allegations and Property Attachments
The ED has accused Siddiqui of laundering proceeds allegedly generated through fraudulent activities involving educational institutions operated by the Al Falah Charitable Trust. According to the agency, these institutions cheated students, leading to the illicit generation of funds. Siddiqui was arrested by the ED in November under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), marking a significant escalation in the investigation.
In a related development, on January 16, the ED provisionally attached land and buildings belonging to Al Falah University in Faridabad, with an estimated value of around Rs 140 crore. This action followed a money-laundering probe linked to two FIRs that allege the university falsely claimed accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Financial Discrepancies and Broader Probe Links
The ED's investigation has revealed that Al Falah University generated approximately Rs 415.1 crore between 2018 and 2025. Investigators have noted that this substantial increase in revenue is inconsistent with the university's declared finances, raising suspicions of financial irregularities and potential money laundering.
Furthermore, the case is connected to a broader probe into a suspected "white-collar" terror module associated with the November 10 Red Fort blast. Financial trails examined by the ED suggest possible overlaps between the money-laundering activities and this terror investigation, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
Next Steps in the Legal Proceedings
On February 13, the court will hear arguments from both the prosecution and the defence regarding the sufficiency of the ED's material to frame charges against Siddiqui. This hearing is crucial as it will determine whether the case proceeds to trial based on the evidence presented in the chargesheet. The outcome could have significant implications for Siddiqui and the Al Falah Group, given the serious nature of the allegations and the substantial assets involved.
The adjournment allows the defence more time to prepare, but it also underscores the complexity and scale of the case, which involves multiple layers of alleged financial crimes and potential links to broader security concerns. As the legal process unfolds, stakeholders will be closely watching the developments in this high-profile money-laundering investigation.
