Bail in PMLA proceedings may be granted where trial progress, witness examination, age and incarceration support relief.

In a PMLA prosecution under Sections 3 and 4 linked to predicate corruption offences, bail may be justified where the trial has substantially progressed, key witnesses have been examined, and the accused is of advanced age with prolonged incarceration. The Court treated these factors as sufficient to set aside the impugned order and enlarge the appellant on bail, subject to Trial Court conditions.

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Issues: Whether the appellant was entitled to bail in the prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, having regard to the progress of trial, age and period of incarceration.

Analysis: The appellant was facing prosecution under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, arising from predicate offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The Court noted that the four key witnesses had already been examined pursuant to its earlier order and also took into account the appellant's advanced age and two years of incarceration. On these considerations, the Court found it appropriate to set aside the impugned order and enlarge the appellant on bail, subject to conditions imposed by the Trial Court.

Conclusion: The appellant was held entitled to bail and the impugned order was set aside.

Ratio Decidendi: In a bail matter, progress of trial, substantial examination of key witnesses, advanced age and prolonged incarceration may justify grant of bail notwithstanding the seriousness of the .

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