Supreme Court declines Azam Khan bail plea, refers ED case to High Court

The Supreme Court has declined to hear a bail plea from Mohammad Azam Khan in connection with an Enforcement Directorate (ED) money laundering investigation. The apex court directed Khan to seek relief from the appropriate High Court instead. Khan, a prominent Samajwadi Party leader, was arrested on October 31 by ED officials in the money laundering case. His arrest followed shortly after he and his son were released from Rampur prison, where they had been detained in connection with allegations involving the use of dual PAN cards. The ED case against Khan relates to alleged financial irregularities and money laundering charges that the agency has been investigating. By referring the matter to the High Court, the Supreme Court indicated that bail applications in such cases are more appropriately adjudicated at the High Court level. The decision keeps Khan in custody pending further proceedings in the High Court.