HC dismissed the bail application in a money laundering case,...

HC dismissed the bail application in a money laundering case, finding that the arrest of the petitioner complied with mandatory PMLA provisions. The court held that the Enforcement Directorate had reasonable grounds to believe the petitioner's involvement in proceeds of crime, with evidence supporting potential money laundering activities. The 22-month custody was deemed justified, emphasizing that personal liberty must be balanced against the serious nature of allegations. The court underscored that under Section 45 of PMLA, stringent bail conditions must be met, and the burden of proving non-involvement in proceeds of crime lies with the petitioner. The application was rejected, maintaining the principle that societal interests and potential criminal implications take precedence over extended detention concerns.

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