72-year-old cancer patient granted bail for treatment and caring for terminally ill wife under PMLA Section 45(1)

The Bombay HC granted bail on medical grounds to a 72-year-old accused in a money laundering case under PMLA Section 45(1) first proviso. The petitioner suffered from duodenal cancer and his wife had terminal cancer, causing mental distress. The court noted that while adequate hospital treatment was available, there exists qualitative difference between treatment as an undertrial prisoner versus a free citizen. Considering the petitioner's advanced age, cancer diagnosis, recommended treatment risks, other ailments, and wife's critical condition, the court exercised discretion to grant limited bail for cancer treatment and attending to his terminally ill wife.

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Issues Involved:
1. Bail application on medical grounds u/s 45 (1) of PMLA.
2. Consideration of applicant's and spouse's medical conditions.
3. Evaluation of legal provisions and judicial precedents on bail for sick or infirm individuals.

Summary:

1. Bail Application on Medical Grounds u/s 45 (1) of PMLA:
The applicant, arraigned in Special Case No. 1728 of 2023 for offences under Section 4 of PMLA, sought bail on medical grounds, invoking the first proviso to Section 45 (1) of PMLA. The applicant and his wife suffer from terminal cancer, and the applicant's medical condition necessitates bail.

2. Consideration of Applicant's and Spouse's Medical Conditions:
The applicant argued that his detention violates Article 21 of the Constitution due to his and his wife's critical health conditions. The applicant is critically ill with duodenal cancer and requires complex treatment, while his wife suffers from severe cancer, exacerbating his mental condition. Medical reports and expert opinions were presented to highlight the severity of their conditions.

3. Evaluation of Legal Provisions and Judicial Precedents:
The court examined the proviso to Section 45 (1) of PMLA, which allows bail for individuals who are sick or infirm. The proviso aims to mollify the stringent conditions for granting bail under PMLA. The court noted that discretion must be exercised judiciously, considering whether the applicant falls within the exceptional categories and the totality of circumstances.

The court referenced several judicial decisions, including:
- Kewal Krishnan Kumar v/s Enforcement Directorate: Highlighted that a person need not be sick but can be infirm to seek bail under the proviso.
- Vijay Agrawal Through Parokar v/s Directorate of Enforcement: Emphasized the paramount importance of health conditions in granting bail.
- Devki Nandan Garg v/s Directorate of Enforcement: Stated that individuals falling under the proviso need not satisfy the twin conditions under Section 45 (1).
- Saumya Chaurasia v/s Directorate of Enforcement: Asserted that the grant of bail is discretionary and should be exercised prudently.
- State of U.P. v/s Gayatri Prasad Prajapati: Discussed the adequacy of medical treatment in jail as a consideration for bail.
- Pawan @ Tamatar v/s Ram Prakash Pandey: Addressed the need for proper medical treatment from jail authorities.

Court's Decision:
The court concluded that the applicant's age, medical condition, and the critical health of his wife justify the exercise of discretion under the proviso to Section 45 (1) of PMLA. The applicant was granted bail for two months with specific conditions, including furnishing a P.R. bond, surrendering his passport, and not tampering with evidence or contacting co-accused.

Order:
1. The applicant is released on bail for two months on furnishing a P.R. bond of Rs.1 Lakh and sureties.
2. The applicant must remain within the jurisdiction of the PMLA Court, Greater Mumbai, and surrender his passport.
3. The applicant must provide contact details and remain reachable to the IO.
4. The applicant must not tamper with evidence, give threats, or engage in similar activities.
5. The applicant must not contact co-accused or individuals involved in similar activities.
6. Violation of any conditions will result in the cancellation of bail.
7. The applicant must file an undertaking to abide by these conditions within one week.
8. The observations in the order are limited to the bail application and do not affect the merits of the case.

Additional Order:
The applicant is permitted to remain an indoor patient at Sir H.N. Reliance Hospital until May 10, 2024, or until sureties are furnished, whichever is earlier.

Application disposed.

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