A Delhi court rejected the interim bail plea of Vinesh Kumar Chandel, co-founder of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), who is in custody for a money laundering investigation linked to a coal pilferage case. Chandel’s request for temporary release on medical grounds due to his mother’s dementia was dismissed by Additional Sessions Judge Shefali Barnala Tandon of the Patiala House Courts. The court stated that the reasons presented did not meet the necessary urgency or exceptional humanitarian circumstances required under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The court emphasized that interim bail in PMLA offenses cannot be granted routinely and must be based on compelling and immediate circumstances. Chandel had sought interim bail to care for his mother, arguing that his absence was causing distress as he was her primary caregiver. However, the Enforcement Directorate opposed the plea, asserting that the reasons provided were not exceptional enough for bail in a serious economic offense.
While acknowledging the medical vulnerability of elderly parents, the court noted that there was no evidence of a sudden or life-threatening medical emergency requiring Chandel’s immediate presence. The judge highlighted that the medical documents did not indicate an acute crisis that could not be managed through appropriate medical care. The court also mentioned the availability of Chandel’s wife and brother for caregiving, stating that no clear necessity for interim bail had been demonstrated.
Chandel was remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody on April 23 after the Enforcement Directorate’s remand expired in connection with a case registered by the Economic Offences Wing. The ED has alleged that Chandel’s company engaged in money laundering through structured financial transactions involving unaccounted cash components and bogus invoices. The agency claimed that unaccounted funds were used for election-related expenses and to influence public opinion.
