The Delhi High Court has approved bail for Sandeepa Virk in a money laundering case initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The allegations against Virk trace back to the period of 2008–2013, while the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) was filed much later in 2025.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, on a single-judge Bench, granted the bail plea related to the ECIR filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The court emphasized that there was no valid reason to prolong Virk’s judicial custody.
Highlighting that Virk was not charged in the initial offense registered in 2016 under IPC Sections 406 and 420, nor was any legal action taken against her in a subsequent private complaint, the court observed that no incriminating evidence was found during the investigation.
Referring to Section 45 of the PMLA, the court mentioned that the usual bail conditions do not apply to Virk, especially considering her gender. The court further noted the status of the main accused, Amit Gupta alias Nageshwar Gupta, who remains at large despite being declared a proclaimed offender in the primary offense.
Given Virk’s detention since August 12, 2025, the court, considering the lengthy trial process ahead with 24 witnesses listed by the prosecution, deemed her continued imprisonment unjustified. Justice Sharma ordered Virk’s release on bail upon meeting specified conditions, including a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh and compliance with investigative procedures.
