Money Laundering and Bail: Supreme Court's Interpretation of Section 45 PMLA

Section 45 PMLA bail standard: stringent satisfaction required on non guilt and low risk of reoffence before granting bail.

Interpretation of Section 45 PMLA requires a stringent bail standard: courts must be satisfied on reasonable grounds that the accused is not guilty and is unlikely to commit an offence while on bail. An Enforcement Directorate investigation under the PMLA is distinct from predicate offence inquiries, so completion of predicate investigations does not substitute for the specific assessment required under the PMLA; courts must therefore evaluate the seriousness of allegations and the stage and character of the ED probe when considering bail.