Supreme Court Denies Bail to Suspended IAS Officer Pooja Singhal in MNREGA Scam

Bail request for Jharkhand’s Pooja Singhal rejected amid ongoing legal proceedings in financial misconduct case.

The Supreme Court has rejected the bail application of Jharkhand’s suspended IAS officer Pooja Singhal, involved in the MNREGA scam, marking a significant decision in the case.

RANCHI – The Supreme Court has rejected the bail application of Jharkhand’s suspended IAS officer Pooja Singhal, involved in the MNREGA scam, marking a significant decision in the case.

Singhal, who has been incarcerated since May 11, 2022, sought bail citing health concerns.

Her legal representation highlighted during a session on March 16 that she has been detained for 585 days, with a charge sheet already filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

In response to her bail plea, the court ordered the ED to submit an affidavit detailing the duration of Singhal’s imprisonment, periods of interim bail, and her hospital stays.

The court’s inquiry revealed that Singhal had actually spent more days in hospital care (303 days) than in actual prison custody (231 days), as stated by Additional Solicitor General SV Raju representing the ED.

This information played a crucial role in the apex court’s decision to deny bail, reflecting the ongoing scrutiny of Singhal’s case and her custodial status.