Delhi Minister Claims Innocence in Tender Case, Says Was Imprisoned

Satyendar Jain appeared before the court to address allegations related to irregular tender procedures, asserting that he could not have been involved in the decision-making process at the time the tenders were issued. According to his account, Jain was in judicial custody when the procurement decisions were made, rendering him unable to exercise ministerial functions despite retaining the technical title.

Jain was arrested on May 30, 2022, following a probe into alleged financial irregularities and corruption. His arrest led to his removal from his ministerial portfolio, effectively ending his administrative responsibilities in the Delhi government during the period in question.

The minister's submission to the court represents his defense strategy in the ongoing case, suggesting that the timing of his incarceration should absolve him of direct responsibility for the disputed tender process. The case continues to draw scrutiny as investigators examine the chain of decisions that led to the controversial procurement.

The development adds another dimension to the corruption investigation, shifting focus to the procedural timeline and custodial status of officials involved in the tender process. Jain's legal team appears to be building a defense centered on his absence from active administrative duty during the critical period.