Bail on surrender in money-laundering complaint was directed where the accused had complied with prior conditions and was never arrested

Bail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act was directed on surrender before the trial court where the appellant was already on bail in the predicate offences, had not been arrested during the money-laundering investigation, and had complied with the earlier deposit direction. On such surrender, the trial court was to release the appellant on bail in the complaint and determine the terms and conditions. The Court also noted that non-appearance or delay in the proceedings could lead to cancellation of bail.

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Issues: Whether the appellant was entitled to be released on bail in the complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, on surrender before the trial court.

Analysis: The appellant was already on bail in the predicate criminal cases, had not been arrested during the investigation in the money-laundering case, and had also deposited the amount directed in the earlier proceedings. In these circumstances, the Court directed that the appellant should surrender before the trial court and, upon such surrender, be released on bail in the complaint, leaving the trial court to fix the terms and conditions. The Court also clarified that non-appearance or delay in the proceedings could result in cancellation of bail.

Conclusion: The appellant was granted bail on surrender before the trial court, and the impugned judgment was set aside.

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