Statutory bail under CrPC ends after charge-sheet filing; bail refused in money-laundering proceedings.

In proceedings under the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002, the Court held that filing of the charge-sheet by itself did not justify regular bail or weaken the allegations and investigation material. It further held that the right to statutory bail under Section 167(2) CrPC does not survive after the charge-sheet is filed. Given the nature of the allegations, the material on record, and the risk of witness influence or evidence tampering, continued detention was considered necessary to ensure a fair trial. Bail was refused and the application was dismissed.

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Issues: Whether the applicant was entitled to regular bail, including statutory bail, in proceedings under the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 after filing of the charge-sheet.

Analysis: The application was examined in the light of the earlier rejection of bail and the asserted change in circumstance based on filing of the charge-sheet. It was held that mere filing of the charge-sheet does not by itself justify release on bail or dilute the allegations and material collected during investigation. The Court also held that the right to statutory bail under Section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 does not survive once the charge-sheet has been filed. Considering the nature of allegations, the material on record, and the likelihood of the applicant influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence, the Court found that continued detention was necessary to secure a fair trial.

Conclusion: Bail was refused and the application was dismissed against the applicant.

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