The Calcutta High Court has rejected bail to former West Bengal minister Sujit Bose in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in municipal recruitment. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh held that Bose had failed to satisfy the stringent conditions for bail under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The Court found that the investigation had reached a crucial stage, with additional properties and other sources of funds emerging during the proceedings. It dismissed the bail application despite the petitioner's arguments concerning the delay in his arrest and the absence of his name in the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) charge sheets.
Background
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) on May 11, 2023, in connection with the alleged municipal recruitment scam. Bose, a former Vice-Chairman of South Dum Dum Municipality and former minister, was arrested on May 11, 2026.
The ED alleged that Bose had influenced municipal appointments and that proceeds of the alleged irregularities were channelled through business establishments, property transactions and corporate entities. It also relied on digital records, candidate lists and statements recorded during the investigation.
Opposing continued detention, Bose argued that the CBI's charge sheets had not named him and that no direct financial trail connecting him with money allegedly generated through illegal appointments had been established. He also questioned the necessity of his arrest after nearly three years and challenged the material relied upon by the ED.
Justice Ghosh considered the competing submissions, including the ED's allegations concerning financial transactions, property holdings and candidates allegedly recommended for municipal appointments.
A significant factor was the emergence of additional property-related material during the investigation. The Court noted that, between August and September 2026, investigators obtained certified copies of title deeds relating to approximately 45 immovable properties belonging to Bose and his family members. Registered valuers had been engaged to assess their market value, and the reports were awaited.
The judgment also recorded that information had been shared with the CBI under Section 66(2) of the PMLA concerning candidates allegedly recommended by Bose. The CBI had subsequently commenced further investigation after informing the competent court.
The Court observed:
"Other sources of funds have also surfaced in course of such investigation by examining the material witnesses."
Emphasising the stage of the proceedings, Justice Ghosh further noted:
"A vital stage of the investigation is in progress."
The Court also relied on the Supreme Court's decision in Union of India v. Kanhaiya Prasad, which emphasised the need to examine the mandatory bail conditions under Section 45 of the PMLA rather than granting bail merely because a prosecution complaint had been filed.
Concluding that Bose had failed to overcome the requirements of Section 45 of the PMLA at this stage, the Calcutta High Court rejected his bail plea.
The Court accordingly dismissed C.R.M. (R) 58 of 2026 and disposed of any pending applications.
Case Details
Case Title: Sujit Bose v. Directorate of Enforcement
Case Number: C.R.M. (R) 58 of 2026
Judge: Justice Tirthankar Ghosh
Decision Date: October 13, 2026
