Prolonged custody and delayed trial justified bail in a PMLA case, with safeguards to ensure appearance and prevent misuse.

In a PMLA prosecution, the SC held that prolonged custody, the stage of trial, and the surrounding circumstances justified bail. The appellant had remained in custody for more than three years, cognizance had been taken, charges were still to be framed, and some co-accused had not yet been arrested; the appellant's age was also considered. On an overall assessment, continued incarceration was found unnecessary, and bail was granted subject to safeguards to secure appearance and prevent misuse of liberty.

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Issues: Whether the appellant, facing prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, was entitled to bail in view of the length of custody, the stage of trial, and the surrounding circumstances.

Analysis: The appellant had remained in custody for more than three years, cognizance had been taken, charges were yet to be framed, and some accused persons had not even been arrested. The Court also took note of the appellant's age. On an overall assessment of these factors, continued incarceration was found unnecessary and the appellant was held entitled to bail, subject to safeguards to secure appearance and prevent misuse of liberty.

Conclusion: The appellant was granted bail and the High Court's order refusing relief was set aside.

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