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2021 (4) TMI 69 - HC - Money Laundering


Issues Involved:
1. Application for bail under Section 439 CrPC read with Section 45 PMLA.
2. Application for interim bail on medical grounds.
3. Examination of medical reports and the necessity for surgery.
4. Compliance with court orders and subsequent actions of the accused-applicant.
5. Verification of the medical condition and the genuineness of the medical reports.

Detailed Analysis:

1. Application for Bail:
The accused-applicant, Managing Director of Amrapali Group of Companies, filed a bail application under Section 439 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, read with Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. This application was rejected by the Special Judge/Sessions Court, PMLA, Lucknow, on 15th July 2020. The High Court dismissed the regular bail application on 9th December 2020. The Supreme Court also dismissed the Special Leave to Appeal on 19th January 2021, stating that the petitioner should have sought an extension of interim bail on medical grounds rather than pursuing the main bail petition.

2. Application for Interim Bail on Medical Grounds:
During the pendency of the bail application, the accused filed a Criminal Misc. Application for interim bail on medical grounds, supported by a medical report dated 15th August 2020 from the Senior Medical Officer, Central Jail, Mandoli, Delhi. The report detailed multiple ailments, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, osteoarthritis, and a need for surgery due to pain in the inguinal region affecting both testes. The Court granted interim bail for six weeks or until recovery, whichever was earlier, to get treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi. Specific conditions were imposed, including reporting to AIIMS immediately after release and surrendering after discharge or the expiry of six weeks.

3. Examination of Medical Reports and Necessity for Surgery:
The medical report from the Senior Medical Officer indicated the need for urgent surgery at a higher referral center. The accused was released on 8th December 2020 and reported to AIIMS on 15th December 2020. He was examined by departments of Surgery, Medicine, and Orthopedics, but no urgency for admission or surgery was found. The Director of AIIMS reported that the accused did not follow up as advised and was pressuring for admission, which was not recommended by any department.

4. Compliance with Court Orders and Subsequent Actions of the Accused-Applicant:
The accused did not comply with the court's direction to report to AIIMS immediately after release and delayed his visit until 15th December 2020. He also did not follow up with the prescribed medical examinations and treatments. The accused surrendered before the Court at Delhi instead of the Special Judge, PMLA, as directed.

5. Verification of Medical Condition and Genuineness of Medical Reports:
The Enforcement Directorate filed an application questioning the genuineness of the medical report dated 15th August 2020 from the Senior Medical Officer, Central Jail, Mandoli. The Court issued a notice to the Senior Medical Officer to file an affidavit in response. The Director, AIIMS, submitted an affidavit stating that the accused was pressuring for admission without any recommendation for surgery. The Senior Medical Officer maintained that his report was based on the accused's medical history and was not at variance with AIIMS's findings.

Conclusion:
The Court observed that the Senior Medical Officer's report indicated an urgent need for surgery, which was not corroborated by AIIMS. The Court cautioned the Senior Medical Officer to be careful while issuing medical certificates. The second application for interim bail on medical grounds was withdrawn by the accused's counsel after AIIMS's affidavit indicated no urgency for admission or surgery. The application by the Enforcement Directorate was disposed of with the aforementioned observations.

 

 

 

 

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