2023 (2) TMI 1300 - SCH - Money Laundering

Seeking post-arrest bail which was declined by the High Court - charges has not been framed so far - HELD THAT - No interference is required at this stage - However, the petitioner is at liberty to renew his application for bail after framing of charge/discharge, as the case may be, before the Trial Court. If such an application is filed, the same may be decided on its own merits without being influenced by the observations made by the High Court under the order impugned. SLP dimissed.

Summary

Issues:
Petition for post-arrest bail declined by High Court, Previous post-arrest bail application declined by Supreme Court, Delay in framing charges, Direction for Trial Court to expedite framing of charges.

Analysis:
The Supreme Court addressed a petition seeking post-arrest bail that had been rejected by the High Court. The petitioner had previously approached the Supreme Court for post-arrest bail, which was also declined with an observation that the trial should conclude by the end of a specified year. Notably, charges had not been framed yet. After hearing arguments from both sides, the Court decided not to interfere at the current stage. However, the petitioner was granted the liberty to renew the bail application after the framing of charges or discharge by the Trial Court. The Court emphasized that any future application should be evaluated solely on its merits without being influenced by the High Court's previous decision. Additionally, the Trial Court was instructed to promptly proceed with framing charges or discharge, and the parties were directed to cooperate in this process. Ultimately, the Supreme Court dismissed the special leave petition with the stated observations, and any pending applications were disposed of accordingly.