Delhi HC judge recuses from Naresh Balyan bail hearing

The Swarana Kanta Sharma recused from hearing bail plea of former Naresh Balyan in an Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act case involving alleged extortion and gang links, with the matter now scheduled before another bench

New Delhi: A judge of the Delhi High Court on Monday recused herself from hearing a plea filed by former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Naresh Balyan seeking bail in a case under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

Balyan’s plea challenging the rejection of his bail application by a Delhi court was listed before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who recused herself from hearing it.

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The matter will now be placed before another Bench on April 23.

The former Uttam Nagar legislator was rearrested by the Delhi Police Crime Branch in December 2024 under MCOCA, minutes after he secured relief in an extortion case.

Following the grant of bail by the Rouse Avenue Court in the extortion matter, police arrested him within the court premises and took him into custody in connection with the organised crime case.

Balyan was initially arrested on November 30, 2024, after the emergence of audio clips allegedly featuring him in a conversation with gangster Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu. The clips purportedly indicated plans to threaten and extort money from builders and other individuals in Delhi.

According to the police, Balyan is part of a larger criminal syndicate operating in Delhi and adjoining areas, allegedly involved in organised crimes such as extortion and arms trafficking.

The charge sheet describes the network as a structured and well-coordinated group engaged in illegal activities for financial gain. Four accused — Vijay alias Kalu, Sahil alias Poli, Balyan, and Jyoti Prakash alias Baba — have been named in a supplementary charge sheet filed by the police.

Opposing his bail plea earlier, the Delhi Police had argued that the investigation was at a crucial stage and his release could hamper the probe.

However, Balyan and his supporters have termed the case politically motivated, alleging that the charges are fabricated as part of a larger conspiracy.

The case has also drawn political reactions, with the BJP accusing Balyan of being an “extortionist” and alleging links between AAP leaders and criminal elements.

BJP leaders have alleged that Balyan’s activities were carried out with the knowledge of senior party leadership, a claim denied by the AAP.