2025 (4) TMI 111 - SCH - Money Laundering

Petitioners Granted Four Weeks to Surrender After SLP Dismissal; May Apply for Bail if Trial Delays

HITESH GANDHI Versus ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE OFFICE (ED)

The SC dismissed Special Leave Petitions, finding no grounds to interfere with the HC's order. Petitioners who received interim relief were granted four ... Money laundering - Seeking grant of bail - misappropriation of scholarship funds - scam involving the allocation of scholarships to SC, ST and OBC students, under the Post Matric Scheme - non-supply of the copy of the ‘reasons to believe’ - it was held by High Court that 'The applicant failed to demonstrate sufficient grounds for bail at this stage. The Court's decision is based on the ongoing investigation, the nature of the allegations, and the unsatisfied twin conditions under Section 45 of the PMLA.' HELD THAT:- There are no ground to interfere with the impugned order(s) passed by the High Court. However, insofar as the petitioner(s) who have received interim relief from the High Court, it is inclined to give them four weeks time for surrendering. SLP dismissed. The Supreme Court, presided over by Hon'ble Justices M. M. Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal, reviewed the case involving the petitioner represented by Mr. Vikram Chaudhri and others, and the respondent represented by Mr. Tushar Mehta and others. The Court concluded that there was no basis to interfere with the High Court's order. However, for petitioners who had received interim relief, the Court allowed four weeks for surrendering. The petitioners were granted 'liberty to renew the prayer for bail' by filing a new bail application in the trial court within six months if the trial does not proceed. Consequently, the Special Leave Petitions were dismissed, and any pending applications were disposed of.