The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted bail to former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Anil Tuteja in a money laundering case linked to the high-profile Chhattisgarh liquor scam, registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan observed that Tuteja has been in custody since April 21, 2024, and emphasized that the Chhattisgarh High Court had already quashed the trial court’s cognizanceof the case due to lack of official sanction to prosecute the public servant under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
“As of today, there is no order taking cognizance. The appellant has undergone incarceration for more than a year. There are over 30 witnesses yet to be examined. The maximum sentence prescribed is seven years,” the top court noted.
The apex court ruled that Tuteja is entitled to bail and directed that he be produced before the Special Judge in the concerned district for completion of bail formalities.
The Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the ED, opposed the bail plea, arguing that Tuteja is an influential figure and might tamper with prosecution evidence. He also urged the court to impose stringent conditions on his release. However, the Bench granted relief while taking into account the High Court’s ruling and the duration of custody.
It was also brought to the Court’s notice that a Special Judge is yet to be appointed for trying PMLA cases in the district. The Supreme Court has directed the immediate posting of a judge to facilitate the continuation of legal proceedings.
Anil Tuteja and the Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam
Tuteja is one of the main accused in three cases related to an alleged liquor syndicate racket in Chhattisgarh. The ED has alleged that senior government officials, private individuals, and political leaders were involved in a multi-crore scam involving illegal commissions from liquor sales and unauthorized distribution of unaccounted liquor through government-run shops.
The case has triggered a political storm in the State, with serious implications for administrative and regulatory integrity in liquor trade practices.
Case Details
Case no. – SLP(Crl) No. 3148/2025
Case Title – Anil Tuteja v. Directorate of Enforcement
