2022 (3) TMI 582 - SCH - Money Laundering

Seeking an extension of interim/temporary bail for a period of six months - serious ill-health of the applicant - applicant admitted himself without any reference to the hospital with an intention to avoid surrendering in Court after being discharged from the Hospital on 10.01.2022 - HELD THAT - The application for extension of interim /temporary bail granted by the order dated 28.09.2021, is not allowed. Bail application dismissed.

Summary

Issues:
- Extension of interim/temporary bail due to serious ill-health of the applicant.

Analysis:
The Supreme Court, comprising Hon'ble Mr. Justice L. Nageswara Rao and Hon'ble Mr. Justice B.R. Gavai, addressed the issue of extending interim/temporary bail in light of the applicant's severe health condition. The Court had previously extended temporary bail for four months without entertaining any further extension applications. The applicant sought a six-month extension based on medical evidence from Lilavati Hospital indicating Acute Coronary Syndrome and other health concerns, rendering the applicant unable to appear in court. The applicant's counsel, Mr. Mukul Rohatgi, requested a four-week extension and urged the trial court to consider the bail application without requiring the applicant's surrender. However, the respondent's counsel, Mr. S.V. Raju, argued against the extension, labeling the application as frivolous. Mr. Raju highlighted the applicant's self-admission to the hospital without any official referral, suggesting an attempt to evade court proceedings post-discharge.

In its judgment, the Court declined to grant the extension of interim/temporary bail as sought by the applicant. The Court noted the specific instruction in the previous order prohibiting any further extension applications. Considering the circumstances, the Court found no merit in allowing the extension request, ultimately dismissing the Miscellaneous Application. Consequently, any pending applications were disposed of in line with the Court's decision.