The apex court has granted major relief to former Rajasthan minister Mahesh Joshi in connection with the alleged Jal Jeevan Mission scam. The Supreme Court accepted his bail plea in the case registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau of the Rajasthan Police. During these legal proceedings, another accused in the matter has also been granted relief by the court.
Supreme Court Bench Delivers Verdict
A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Sheel Nagu pronounced the order after concluding the hearing on the Special Leave Petition filed by Mahesh Joshi. Previously, the Rajasthan High Court had rejected his bail application, following which he approached the Supreme Court. The court had reserved its verdict a few days prior after listening to the detailed arguments presented by both sides.
Mahesh Joshi had earlier faced detention in a money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate. After spending nearly seven months in custody in that matter, he was granted regular bail by the Supreme Court on December 3, 2025. At that time, the court had taken into consideration his extended detention and age.
ACB Arrest and Latest Developments
Just months after securing bail in the ED case, the Rajasthan ACB arrested Mahesh Joshi from his residence in Jaipur on May 7, 2026. This arrest was executed in connection with an alleged tender allocation and bribery scam exceeding 900 crore rupees. He had remained in custody since that arrest. However, legal experts note that obtaining bail does not amount to an acquittal and the judicial proceedings regarding the case will continue.
