Prolonged pre-trial custody in money-laundering prosecution justified bail where trial was expected to take considerable time.

An appellant prosecuted under the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act was in custody for about two and a half years, and the trial was expected to take considerable time. In these circumstances, continued detention pending trial was not warranted. The impugned order was set aside and bail was granted, subject to terms and conditions imposed by the Trial Court.

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Issues: Whether the appellant, who had remained in incarceration for about 21/2 years and where the trial was likely to take considerable time, was entitled to bail in a prosecution for offences under the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002.

Analysis: The appellant had been in custody for a substantial period. The records indicated that the trial had commenced but would take considerable time to conclude. In these circumstances, the continued detention of the appellant pending trial was not warranted.

Conclusion: The impugned order was set aside and bail was granted to the appellant, subject to such terms and conditions as the Trial Court may impose.

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