The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to former Chhattisgarh Excise Minister and current Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma in corruption and money laundering cases related to the State’s multi-crore liquor scam. Lakhma, who has been in custody since January 2025, was given relief due to the prolonged trial process and the extensive number of witnesses involved in the cases. The Court noted that out of 52 accused individuals, 22 have been arrested, with 19 already granted bail.
The Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, acknowledged the complexity of the case, involving a large number of accused and witnesses, which could lead to a lengthy investigation and trial. The Court emphasized that a rushed trial might negatively impact the prosecution’s case and could violate rights under Article 21 of the Constitution. While granting bail, the Court imposed strict conditions on Lakhma, including restrictions on travel and participation in public events.
Former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma, who served from 2019 to 2023, was arrested in connection with the alleged liquor scam that reportedly caused a loss of over Rs 2,100 crore to the State exchequer. Despite opposition from the state government and the Enforcement Directorate, citing ongoing investigations and collusion involving officials, Lakhma was granted bail with stringent conditions to ensure compliance with legal proceedings.
