Anticipatory bail on parity with co-accused in a PMLA case, subject to conditions ensuring cooperation and non-interference.

Anticipatory bail in a PMLA matter was considered on the basis of parity with similarly placed co-accused, including the principal accused and another co-accused who had already obtained protection. The court treated that comparable relief, together with the stage of the proceedings, as sufficient to extend pre-arrest protection to the petitioner. Bail was granted subject to conditions requiring the petitioner's presence, cooperation in trial, and non-interference with witnesses or evidence.

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Issues: Whether anticipatory bail should be granted to the petitioner in a PMLA case on the basis of the relief already extended to similarly placed co-accused.

Analysis: The petitioner sought pre-arrest protection in connection with proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The record indicated that the principal accused had already obtained bail and another co-accused had been granted protection by the Supreme Court. The Court considered this parity, along with the stage of the case, and found it appropriate to extend the same relief to the petitioner. The grant of bail was accompanied by conditions to secure the petitioner's presence, cooperation in trial, and non-interference with witnesses or evidence.

Conclusion: Anticipatory bail was granted to the petitioner on terms and conditions.

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