2013 (4) TMI 845 - HC - Money Laundering

Summary

Issues involved: Bail on medical grounds u/s PMLA Case No.1/2011

Summary:
The High Court of Bombay, in the case involving bail on medical grounds u/s PMLA Case No.1/2011, considered the request for bail due to the serious ailments of the Applicant. The Applicant, aged 77, suffering from various health issues, sought bail for medical treatment at a private hospital, Cumballa Hill Hospital in Mumbai. The opinion of the Chief Medical Officer, Mumbai Central Prison, highlighted the need for long-term nursing care and multi-speciality treatment for the Applicant. The Applicant's family, including his brother-in-law and wife, undertook the responsibility of the treatment expenses. The Respondent argued that there was no emergency requiring hospitalization based on the earlier medical opinions. However, the Court upheld the medical reports, emphasizing the severity of the Applicant's health conditions, which necessitated prolonged medical care and attention.

The Court rejected the Respondent's contention that only extreme medical emergencies warranted such applications, emphasizing the need for long-term care given the Applicant's serious ailments and age. The Court granted bail for three months on medical grounds, with a cash bail amount set at Rs. 50,000. The Applicant was permitted to receive treatment at Cumballa Hill Hospital under the care of specified doctors. The Court directed that the Applicant must not leave Mumbai for treatment without prior permission. The order was to be implemented immediately, with a review scheduled after three months.