2025 (11) TMI 378 - SCH - Money Laundering

Respondent granted bail earlier but evaded service; ordered to attend all trials personally or through counsel, barred from objections.

SC disposed the petition while noting bail to the respondent was granted nearly a decade earlier and the respondent evaded service for about seven years. ... Bail granted to the respondent under the impugned order was almost a decade back - respondent tried to evade service for nearly seven years in the present case - HELD THAT:- The present petition stands disposed of with a direction that the respondent shall ensure his representation on each and every date of hearing before the trial Court. In the event, the respondent is unable to appear physically, his counsel shall be required to be present on his behalf, and he shall not be permitted to raise any objection to the trial proceeding in his absence. Application disposed off. Bail granted nearly a decade ago will not be examined for cancellation at this stage, but the petition is disposed with directions to secure trial progress. Noting allegations that the respondent 'tried to evade service for nearly seven years' and repeatedly sought adjournments, and the respondent's claim of serious illness, the Court directed that the respondent 'shall ensure his representation on each and every date of hearing before the trial Court.' If the respondent 'is unable to appear physically, his counsel shall be required to be present on his behalf, and he shall not be permitted to raise any objection to the trial proceeding in his absence.' The order warns that 'Even a single day of absence or non-representation, which the trial Court finds to be unjustified, shall result in cancellation of the bail granted to the respondent.' The petitioner may move the trial Court if there is non-cooperation, and the trial Court is directed to proceed 'expeditiously and on priority basis,' considering the case is over fifteen years old. Pending applications stand disposed.