Bail interference limits in PMLA cases: courts will not disturb discretionary bail orders absent illegality or arbitrariness.

Interference with a bail order requires more than a reappraisal of the merits; the order will not be disturbed unless the discretion exercised is shown to be illegal or arbitrary. In a PMLA matter, the Court noted that the case rested on documentary material, investigation was complete, complaints had been filed, and co-accused were already on bail. It further held that the earlier bail embargo under Section 45(1) of the PMLA could not govern the matter after that provision had been declared unconstitutional. Finding no material showing discriminatory or perverse exercise of discretion, the Court upheld the bail orders and declined interference.

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Issues: (i) Whether the orders granting bail to the respondents in proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 were liable to be quashed on the ground of non-consideration of the gravity of the offence and the statutory embargo on bail.

Analysis: The challenge was examined in the context of the settled distinction between cancellation of bail and interference with an order granting bail. The Court noted that the case was founded on documentary material, investigation had been completed, complaints had been filed, and co-accused were already on bail. It further held that the earlier embargo under Section 45(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 could not control the matter in view of the declaration of unconstitutionality of that provision. The Court found no material to show that the subordinate court had exercised discretion arbitrarily or on a footing worse than that of similarly placed co-accused.

Conclusion: The impugned bail orders did not warrant interference and were upheld.

Final Conclusion: The petitions challenging the grant of bail failed, and the respondents remained on bail.

Ratio Decidendi: In proceedings for interference with a bail order, the Court will not reappraise the merits in detail or disturb the exercise of discretion unless it is shown to be illegal or arbitrary, and a bail order in a PMLA matter cannot be invalidated merely on the basis of the gravity of the offence where the statutory embargo has lost force.

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