Anticipatory bail in PMLA investigation granted where statements were recorded, documents seized, and custodial interrogation was unnecessary.

Anticipatory bail was granted in connection with summons issued during investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, because the petitioner had already appeared earlier, his statement had been recorded, and the CBI investigation had reached the charge-sheet stage with relevant documents already seized. The Court held that there was no present likelihood of tampering with the investigation and that custodial interrogation was not necessary. It applied the settled anticipatory bail principles, including the nature of the accusation, the stage of investigation, and the need for a judicious exercise of bail discretion, and imposed conditions while granting relief.

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Issues: Whether anticipatory bail should be granted to the petitioner in connection with summons issued during investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

Analysis: The petitioner had already appeared in earlier proceedings, his statement had been recorded, and the underlying investigation by the CBI had culminated in charge sheets with the relevant documents already seized. In these circumstances, the Court found that there was no present likelihood of tampering with the investigation and that custodial interrogation was not necessary. The Court also applied the settled principles governing anticipatory bail, including the nature of accusation, the stage of investigation, and the necessity of exercising bail discretion judiciously.

Conclusion: Anticipatory bail was granted to the petitioner on conditions.

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