The Supreme Court of India on May 29, 2025, raised concerns about the delay in deciding the bail plea of Vedpal Singh Tanwar by the Delhi High Court, despite its repeated observations emphasizing the need for swift hearings in matters concerning personal liberty.
The bench of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih noted that the bail matter was pending before the vacation bench of the High Court. The Supreme Court directed that the matter be decided on June 9, 2025, stating:
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“This Court has time and again emphasized the importance of the liberty of citizens. Time and again, it is said that there should not be even a single day’s delay in deciding the matter pertaining to the liberty of citizens. We see no reason as to why the matter should have taken such a long time to decide it either way.”
Background of the Case
Vedpal Singh Tanwar is associated with Goverdhan Mines and Minerals, which was involved in illegal stone and mineral mining activities in Haryana. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached assets worth ₹25.16 crores in connection with this illegal mining. The ED’s action followed a complaint filed by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HPCB).
Tanwar was arrested on May 31, 2024, and his regular bail was denied by the Special Court at Saket. However, he was later granted interim bail on medical grounds in April 2025.
Tanwar’s counsel expressed frustration over the repeated delays in the High Court, stating:
“It has become like a vicious circle, we argue the matter, the ED takes time, then the roster changes, and then we argue again. This is the fourth time that we are arguing the matter. Bail is not being disposed of at all. I was arrested on May 31, 2024, and till date, no cognizance has been taken on the prosecution complaint by the Hon’ble Court.”
In response, ASG Aishwarya Bhati, representing the ED, clarified that Tanwar was on interim bail for 212 days. She added that Tanwar had spent 115 days in jail and 38 days in hospital. Bhati denied the claim that the ED was responsible for the delays:
“After the matter is heard fully, the judges have recused—that’s why it has not been heard.”
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Tanwar’s counsel countered this by stating that judges had not recused themselves, but the roster had changed three times. He also highlighted that arguments on merits were concluded on November 27, 2024, and the case had seen a total of 26 hearings.
Considering the facts, the Supreme Court strongly reminded that:
“Courts are required to expeditiously decide on matters concerning the personal liberty of citizens.”
The bench ordered the Delhi High Court Registry to list the matter before the vacation bench on June 9, 2025, for a prompt decision after hearing both parties.
“We are informed that the Hon’ble Judge is sitting from 8-16 June. We therefore direct the Delhi High Court Registry to list the matter before the learned Judge who is sitting in the vacation bench on 9th of June to decide the matter after hearing the parties forthwith.”
Case details : VEDPAL SINGH TANWAR Versus DIRECTORATE OF ENFORCEMENT| W.P.(Crl.) No. 231/2025
