[Sanjay Raut bail plea] Not in a hurry to conclude hearing, know the repercussions of my order: Special Judge

The special judge hearing the bail plea filed by Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut in a money laundering case, assured both Raut and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that he will hear both parties at length since he knows the repercussions of the order well..Raut filed for bail in the money laundering case linked to the redevelopment of a chawl project in a northern suburb of Mumbai.Senior Advocate Ashok Mundargi, appearing for Raut, made arguments at length to which Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh for ED responded. Thereafter, Mundargi concluded his rejoinder today.The ASG objected to the submissions made by Mundargi in rejoinder stating Mundargi had brought in fresh submissions not mentioned in the petition.“It is not that they were taken by surprise. What I had stated in my reply, that only I argued. But he is putting all these fresh materials when we are in a rejoinder stage…,” Singh complained..Special judge MG Deshpande, however, made it clear that he was in no hurry to pressurise the counsel to wrap up arguments and that he will patiently hear both sides.“You (ASG) take another day and argue. I am not in hurry and I will not leave any party unheard. But all I am saying is that within 3 days it is not possible to complete and pass the judgement. So, it will take long time,” the judge said.He was indicating that the regular courts were not going to be available for judicial work next week due to Diwali vacation.Therefore, even if arguments conclude before October 21, the Court will render the verdict only after October 30.The judge added that he was also aware of the effect the order would have and a patient hearing would only help arrive at truth.“I know the repercussions of the order that I will pass. For me, you both are parties and nothing more than that. So I will hear you both. Even after your arguments if there are queries, then I will also ask questions. We are only trying to arrive at the truth,” the judge candidly said..Raut was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on July 31 in connection with the money laundering case.He was summoned for questioning in the re-development of Patra chawl and related transactions involving his wife and ‘associates’. He was arrested on July 31 and after spending 8 days in ED’s custody, Raut was remanded to judicial custody.He moved for bail on September 7 claiming that ED’s case against him was filed to crush the ppposition faced by the ruling party. He also contended that the amount of ₹1.06 crore shown as proceeds of crime was accounted for and explained.The agency meanwhile contended that the offence in the present case was for Raut’s private gain at the cost of public fund.The central agency also contended that Raut played a major role in the offence through his proxy and alleged aide Pravin Raut.