Bail under PMLA granted where no flight risk, no witness tampering concern, and medical custody factors supported release.

Bail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act was considered under Section 439 CrPC read with Section 65 PMLA, with the Court noting that the predicate income-tax offences were compoundable and that the only scheduled offence invoked was criminal conspiracy under the IPC. On the material before it, the Court found no basis to treat the petitioner as a flight risk, no material showing likely tampering with evidence or influence over witnesses, and significant custodial as well as medical concerns, including cardiac ailments and hospitalisation. Bail was therefore granted on merits and medical grounds, subject to conditions, and the connected applications became infructuous.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to bail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 in light of the nature of the alleged predicate offence, the absence of flight risk, tampering with evidence or witness influence, and the petitioner's medical condition.

Analysis: The bail request was considered in the context of Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 as applicable through Section 65 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The Court noted that the offences under the Income-tax Act were compoundable and that the only scheduled offence invoked was Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. On the materials placed, the Court found no basis to hold that the petitioner was a flight risk. It also found that the relevant documents were already in the custody of the prosecuting agency and the Court, and that there was no material showing a likelihood of tampering with evidence or influencing prosecution witnesses. The Court further noted that the petitioner had already undergone arrest, custody and extensive examination, and had been hospitalised with cardiac and other ailments.

Conclusion: Bail was granted to the petitioner on merits and on medical grounds, subject to conditions.

Final Conclusion: The proceeding resulted in release of the petitioner on bail, with the connected applications becoming infructuous.

Ratio Decidendi: Bail may be granted where the Court finds no material flight risk, no likelihood of tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses, and the accused's custodial and medical circumstances justify release.

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