Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora on Tuesday approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking regular bail in a money laundering case investigated by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED). Justice Aman Chaudhary’s bench heard the matter and called for a status report from the investigating agency.
Arrest and Custody Details
Arora has been in custody since May 9, 2026, following his arrest by the ED. His regular bail application filed before the Special Judge under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at Gurugram was dismissed on June 15, 2026. The minister now seeks relief from the High Court, arguing that his continued detention is unwarranted.
Petitioner’s Background and Submissions
In his petition, Arora stated that he is a serving Cabinet Minister in the Government of Punjab and a former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, with deep roots in society and an unblemished public record. He is the promoter and chairman of M/s Hampton Sky Realty Limited (HSRL), a company incorporated in 1987. Upon assuming office as a Cabinet Minister, he ceased to participate in the day-to-day affairs of the company, his counsel added.
The petition was filed through advocates Vibhav Jain and Jasman Singh Gill, and argued by senior advocate Puneet Bali. The petitioner submitted that the prosecution case alleges HSRL exported mobile phones to entities in the United Arab Emirates. Certain entities in the domestic supply chain are claimed to be shell and dummy companies engaged in issuing accommodation entries and fake invoices. Based on these allegations, the ED seeks to characterize the export transactions as generating proceeds of crime.
Flaws in the Prosecution Case
Arora contended that the prosecution case is “fundamentally flawed” as the ED failed to establish the commission of a scheduled offence resulting in the generation of proceeds of crime attributable to him. He argued that the material collected during the investigation does not disclose essential ingredients of an offence under PMLA. No material has been produced demonstrating his participation in concealment, possession, acquisition, use, or projection of any alleged proceeds of crime.
Genuine Export Transactions
The exports undertaken by HSRL were genuine commercial transactions supported by a complete documentary trail, the petition stated. The transactions were backed by purchase invoices, e-way bills, GST records, shipping bills, customs documentation, airway bills, bank realisation certificates, and foreign customs clearance records. The exports were subjected to customs examination, and “let export orders” were issued by competent customs authorities. Payments were realised through regular banking channels and duly reflected in statutory records.
No Incriminating Evidence Found
The petition added that no incriminating documents, unaccounted assets, digital records, or material evidencing the commission of an offence by Arora were recovered, despite extensive searches conducted by the ED at his house, his son’s residence, and the office premises of HSRL. The entire case rests on documentary material already seized and in the possession of the respondent.
Health and No Flight Risk
Arora, aged about 62 years, is a senior citizen suffering from multiple medical ailments. He submitted that there is no possibility of tampering with evidence, influencing witnesses, or fleeing from justice. He has cooperated throughout the proceedings and undertakes to abide by any condition imposed by the court.
Prayer for Bail
The petitioner prayed for regular bail during the pendency of the proceedings. The High Court has sought a status report from the ED, and the matter is expected to be heard further.
