"Nawab Malik's Plea for Temporary Medical Bail in Money Laundering Case Rejected by Bombay High Court"
Former Maharashtra minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik faced a setback today as the Bombay High Court dismissed his request for temporary medical bail in a high-profile money laundering case. Justice Anuja Prabhudessai, the single judge presiding over the matter, declined the plea while indicating that she will consider Malik's bail application on its merits in a two-week period.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had arrested Malik on allegations of purchasing property below market value, leading to the money laundering charges against him. In response, Malik had filed for regular bail after the chargesheet was acknowledged by a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in May 2022. Subsequently, following the rejection of his bail plea by a Mumbai special court on November 30, 2022, Malik approached the High Court.
Malik's plea, represented by Rashmikant & Partners, highlighted that the Special Court had overlooked the observations made by the High Court when granting bail to former Maharashtra Home Minister, Anil Deshmukh. Additionally, Malik sought relief on medical grounds, emphasizing his deteriorating health condition due to kidney ailments, with his right kidney's condition being particularly critical. His legal counsel, Senior Advocate Amit Desai, argued that Malik required a stress-free environment to receive proper medical treatment and eventually be physically fit to face the trial.
However, the ED vehemently opposed the plea, with Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Singh contending that stress is a common factor for everyone and cannot serve as a valid ground for seeking bail.
Today, the High Court delivered its verdict specifically on the limited prayer for temporary medical bail, rejecting Malik's plea. The court will now proceed to hear the bail application on its overall merits.
TAGS: Bombay High Court rejects Nawab Malik plea temporary medical bail money laundering case
