PMLA bail under twin conditions turns on broad probabilities, cooperation, and absence of custodial necessity.

Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 requires satisfaction of the twin bail conditions: reasonable grounds to believe the accused is not guilty and that he is not likely to commit an offence while on bail. The discussion notes that bail assessment may proceed on broad probabilities, not a final determination of guilt. It records that the charge sheet had been filed, relevant documents were seized, the accused cooperated with investigation, and there was no material showing risk of absconding or tampering with evidence. Blindness and the absence of custodial necessity were treated as relevant considerations in assessing release.

---

---

Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to bail in the money-laundering case under the stringent conditions governing release under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

Analysis: Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 requires satisfaction of the twin conditions before bail can be granted, namely that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the accused is not guilty and that he is not likely to commit any offence while on bail. The Court noted that the investigation had culminated in filing of charge sheet, relevant documents had already been seized, the petitioner had cooperated during investigation, and there was no material indicating any likelihood of absconding or tampering with evidence. The Court also treated the petitioner's blindness and the absence of any effective custodial necessity as relevant considerations, and applied the bail standard on broad probabilities rather than a final finding of guilt.

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

---