Jaipur, Dec 3:
Former Rajasthan Minister and senior Congress leader Mahesh Joshi was granted bail by the Supreme Court on Wednesday, nearly seven months after his arrest in connection with the alleged ₹900 crore Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam. Joshi had been lodged in Jaipur Central Jail since April 24, when he was taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). His bail plea was earlier dismissed by the Rajasthan High Court on August 26, prompting him to approach the apex court.
A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice A.G. Masih delivered the bail order almost two weeks after reserving its verdict on November 21. Joshi, who lost his wife four days after his arrest, was granted short interim bail at that time but has otherwise remained behind bars.
Senior advocates Siddharth Luthra and Vivek Jain, appearing for Joshi, argued that despite seven months of incarceration, the trial had not yet commenced. They contended that the ED had failed to produce conclusive evidence of bribery. The ED alleges that Joshi accepted ₹55 lakh as a bribe related to a loan for his son’s firm, but the defence argued the amount was eventually returned — raising doubts about the bribery claim.
The ED, opposing bail, maintained that Joshi’s role had emerged in multiple FIRs filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The agency argued that the ₹55 lakh transaction showed misconduct linked to the tendering process under the Jal Jeevan Mission, and returning the sum did not absolve criminal intent. The ED also expressed concern that Joshi might influence witnesses if released.
The broader case involves allegations of replacing DI (ductile iron) pipelines with inferior HDPE pipelines, falsely claiming payments for work not done, and contractors allegedly using stolen materials while securing tenders through forged documents and political links.
Joshi is expected to be released soon once procedural formalities are completed.
