PMLA bail may be granted after investigation ends and the complaint is filed, subject to strict conditions.

In a PMLA prosecution, the note states that bail may be considered after investigation is complete and the complaint has been filed, particularly where further custodial detention is no longer necessary. It also notes that the court weighed the seriousness of the economic offence against the accused's prior cooperation, length of custody, and the need to secure appearance at trial through strict conditions. The operative point is that completion of investigation and filing of the complaint can support release on bail subject to stringent safeguards.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to bail in a prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, having regard to the nature of the allegations, the completion of investigation, the filing of the complaint, and the applicability of the statutory bail conditions.

Analysis: The allegations related to cash deposits routed through bank accounts and onward transfers to entities described as shell companies, but the Court noted that the investigation had been completed and the complaint had already been filed. The Court also recorded that custodial presence was no longer necessary for further investigation. While conscious that the matter involved a serious economic offence, the Court considered the petitioner's prior cooperation, the length of custody, and the need to secure the petitioner's presence at trial by imposing strict conditions. On this basis, the Court held that the petitioner could be enlarged on bail pending trial.

Conclusion: The petitioner was held entitled to bail, subject to stringent conditions.

Final Conclusion: The bail application was allowed and the petitioner was directed to be released on bail on compliance with the conditions imposed by the Court.

Ratio Decidendi: In a PMLA prosecution, once investigation is complete and the complaint has been filed, bail may be granted on stringent conditions where further custodial detention is not necessary.

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