Anticipatory bail in alleged business-related financial offences granted on prima facie banking and GST material

Anticipatory bail in an alleged financial offence was considered on a record showing an almost complete investigation, with the material largely limited to bank records. Prima facie, the applicant's trading in medical equipment and oxygen concentrators was supported by tax invoices and GST payments, suggesting the disputed amount moved through regular business transactions. The applicant's willingness to deposit the disputed amount and cooperate with the investigation also weighed in favour of bail, and parity was noted from the grant of bail to a co-accused. On that basis, anticipatory bail was granted.

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Issues: Whether the applicant was entitled to anticipatory bail in respect of the offences alleged.

Analysis: The application was considered in the context of an almost complete investigation, with the material largely comprising bank records. The record indicated that the applicant was engaged in the trade of medical equipment and oxygen concentrators, and there was prima facie material suggesting that the amount in question had moved through regular business transactions supported by tax invoices and GST payments. The applicant also expressed willingness to deposit the disputed amount to demonstrate bona fides and to cooperate with the investigation. One co-accused had already been granted bail.

Conclusion: Anticipatory bail was granted to the applicant.

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