Partha Chatterjee given future bail by Supreme Court in money laundering case

New Delhi: The Supreme Court granted conditional bail to former West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee on December 13 in a money laundering case linked to a teacher recruitment scam. Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan stipulated Chatterjee's release on February 1, 2025.

As per the conditions set by the apex court, the release will depend on the trial court framing charges before the winter vacation and examining key witnesses by the second and third week of January 2025.

The court said Chatterjee cannot hold public office after release but can remain a legislator. The justices explained their decision by stating a suspect cannot be held indefinitely, requiring a balance between the rights of the accused and victims.


Chatterjee was arrested for alleged irregularities in hiring teachers and staff in state-sponsored schools. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also arrested his associate, Arpita Mukherjee.

The ED claimed to have recovered cash, jewelry, gold bars, property documents, and company records from Mukherjee's residences.

The Supreme Court's decision follows an October notice to the ED regarding Chatterjee’s appeal against an April Calcutta High Court order denying him bail.

The Supreme Court had reserved its decision on December 4, telling Chatterjee, "On the face of it you are a corrupt person. Crores of rupees were recovered from your premises."