The Delhi High Court has rejected Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui’s request for interim bail in a money laundering case related to Al-Falah Trust. Siddiqui, seeking release to care for his wife with Stage-IV ovarian cancer, was granted three days of custody parole instead. Justice Saurabh Banerjee declined the plea for bail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, citing the lack of emergent circumstances.
The court, while sympathetic to Siddiqui’s wife’s medical condition, emphasized that the severity of the allegations against him prevented his temporary release. Despite Siddiqui being permitted to meet his wife on specific days, the court expressed concerns about him being a flight risk and potentially influencing witnesses.
Although Siddiqui’s wife’s health condition was noted, the court found her stable and responding well to treatment. The order specified that during custody parole, Siddiqui could only meet his wife and not interact with others. The court also highlighted that Siddiqui had not proven his presence as medically indispensable for his wife’s care.
The Delhi High Court’s decision on Siddiqui’s bail applications is pending, with the ED opposing interim bail due to stable medical conditions and flight risk concerns. The money laundering cases under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate are linked to Al-Falah University operations and alleged proceeds of crime worth Rs 493.24 crore.
