Parity in bail and trial delay justified release in a money laundering prosecution, with custody found unwarranted.

In a prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the Court reconsidered bail by noting that similarly placed co-accused had already been released and that trial completion was likely to take time. On those factors, continued custody was found unwarranted, and the appellants were held entitled to bail. The refusal order was set aside.

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Issues: Whether the appellants, facing prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, were entitled to bail in view of the release of co-accused and the likelihood of delayed conclusion of trial.

Analysis: The bail refusal was reconsidered in the light of the fact that similarly placed co-accused had already been enlarged on bail. The Court also took note of the apparent time likely to be taken for completion of the trial. On these considerations, the continued custody of the appellants was not warranted.

Conclusion: The appellants were held entitled to bail, and the impugned order refusing bail was set aside.

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