Anticipatory bail in money-laundering prosecution declined where revision against summons failed and co-accused had surrendered.

Anticipatory bail under Section 438 CrPC was sought in a prosecution under the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act. The Court noted that the petitioner had already challenged the summoning order in revision without success, and that similarly placed co-accused had surrendered after their challenges failed. In view of the serious economic nature of the allegations, the Court found no sufficient basis to extend pre-arrest protection. Anticipatory bail was therefore declined and the application dismissed.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to anticipatory bail under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 in a prosecution for offences under the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002.

Analysis: The petitioner had already challenged the summoning order through revision, and that challenge had been rejected. The Court also noted that similarly situated co-accused had surrendered before the trial court after their challenges failed. Having regard to the nature of the allegations involving a serious economic offence, the Court found no justification to grant anticipatory bail.

Conclusion: Anticipatory bail was declined and the application was dismissed.

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