PMLA bail restrictions govern money-laundering cases, and prolonged custody alone does not override the statutory twin conditions.

Bail in a money-laundering prosecution under the PMLA remains governed by the special restrictions in Section 45, even where the petition is moved under Section 439 CrPC. The Court noted that bail can be considered only if there are reasonable grounds to believe the accused is not guilty and is not likely to commit an offence while on bail, and that the PMLA's overriding regime cannot be diluted by general bail principles. Although the accused had spent a substantial period in custody, the seriousness of the allegations and the quantum involved weighed against release, and bail was not granted.

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Issues: Whether bail should be granted to an accused booked for money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in light of the statutory restrictions on bail and the period of custody already undergone.

Analysis: The petition was considered under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, but the governing bail framework remained controlled by Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The statutory requirement is that the Court must be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the accused is not guilty of the offence and is not likely to commit an offence while on bail. The Court also noticed that the provisions of the PMLA have overriding force and that the special regime governing money-laundering offences cannot be diluted merely on the basis of general bail principles. The custody period was found to be substantial, but the seriousness of the allegations and the quantum involved weighed against release.

Conclusion: Bail was not granted.

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