New Delhi, Dec 13 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Friday granted conditional bail to former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Partha Chatterjee in the money laundering case filed against him in relation to the West Bengal cash-for-jobs scam case.

A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan granted the conditional bail to former WB education minister Partha Chatterjee, prime accused in teacher recruitment scam.

The Court held that chatterjee will be released on bail from Feb 1, 2025, only when the key witnesses are examined by January 30.

The Court asked the trial court to decide on framing of charges this month and complete recording of vulnerable witnesses statements by January 30 and after completion of the examination of witnesses chatterjee can be released there after on February 1.

The court held that The minister should not hold any public office upon his release but can continue as an MLA.

Chatterjee was arrested by the enforcement directorate on July 23, 2023 in connection with the job for cash scam.

The ED has probed the case but not framed charges yet.

The court held that the petitioner will be released on bail subjected to conditions imposed by the trial court.

The court directed chatterjee's lawyers to cooperate with the trial court in speed up trial by January 30 for examination of witnesses.

Chatterjee will be released immediately after the vulnerable witnesses are examined, the court held.

UNI SNG KK