2025 (8) TMI 1702 - SCH - Money Laundering

Appeal allowed and bail granted under Section 45 PMLA after 2½ years' custody and protracted trial concerns

SC allowed the appeal and granted bail to the appellant in a PMLA matter, holding that the twin conditions under Section 45 had been considered in light ... Money Laundering - Application for bail - twin conditions under Section 45 of the PMLA have been fulfilled to justify bail or not - proceeds of crime - reasons to believe - Offences punishable u/s 3 read with Section 70 and punishable u/s 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 - HELD THAT:- Admittedly, the appellant has been under incarceration for 2½ years. From the records, we gather that the trial would take considerable length of time, though it has been commenced. Considering the above, we are inclined to set aside the impugned order and grant bail to the appellant - appeal is allowed. 'Leave granted.' Appellant arraigned as accused in ECIR Case No. 01 of 2023 (arising out of ECIR/RNZO/18/2022 dated 21.10.2022, arising out of Bariatu P.S. Case No. 141 of 2022) for offences punishable under Section 3 read with Section 70 and punishable under Section 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. Appellant admitted to be under incarceration for '2½ years.' Trial has commenced but 'would take considerable length of time.' On that basis the Court was 'inclined to set aside the impugned order and grant bail to the appellant.' Accordingly, the 'impugned order stands set aside and the appellant is granted bail, subject to the terms and conditions that may be imposed by the Trial Court.' Appeal allowed; pending applications disposed of.