SC extends NCP leader Nawab bail
Malik had moved the top court against the Bombay high court’s July 13, 2023, order denying him bail on medical grounds in the case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate
The Supreme Court has granted a six-month extension of bail to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik in a money laundering case. Malik has been facing allegations related to financial irregularities, and the extension allows him to remain free during the ongoing legal proceedings. The decision reflects the court’s commitment to principles of justice, ensuring individuals have the opportunity to present their case while maintaining the presumption of innocence.
It is important to note that the extension of bail does not imply a judgment on the merits of the case but rather facilitates a fair investigation. The case against Nawab Malik continues to attract attention due to his political prominence and the nature of the charges.
The bail was extended after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probing money laundering charges against him raised no objection considering his poor health condition.
A bench of justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal extended the medical bail granted to Malik.
He was granted interim bail on August 11 last year and the same was extended to October 12 for a further period of three months. This period was to expire on Thursday.
Advocate Gaurav Agarwal who appeared for Mailk sought a further extension of six months noting that his medical condition remained unchanged.
Additional solicitor general (ASG) SV Raju did not oppose the request.
He said, “On medical grounds, the bail can be extended for a further period of six months.”
The bench said, “The respondent ED has no objection to the bail being granted. Under this circumstance, application is allowed, and the interim bail is extended for six months.”
Malik was arrested in February 2022 in connection with a money laundering case and had approached the Supreme Court challenging a July 13, 2023, order of the Bombay high court refusing him bail.
While admitting his appeal for hearing on August 11, the top court released him on interim bail considering his renal ailment.
Malik had furnished medical reports to show that his left kidney is non-functional while the right kidney is functioning at optimum level. He further indicated his other parameters showing infection in kidney were high.
In its August 11 order, the Court had said, “The appellant (Malik) is in Criti Care Asia Hospital at Mumbai being treated for ailments relating to kidney and other ailments… We make it clear that we are passing this order strictly on the basis of medical condition of the appellant and we have not entered into the merit of the appellant’s case.”
Malik has been charged for offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act as the ED claimed that in 2005, he conspired with the sister of gangster Dawood Ibrahim to usurp a property in Kurla using a fabricated power of attorney.
Based on investigations conducted by the federal agency, proceeds of crime were generated through the rent and other income from the land, amounting to ₹15.99 crore.
According to the ED chargesheet, this money was used for terror funding in active collaboration with terror organisations.
the Supreme Court granted a six-month extension of bail to Nawab Malik, a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), in connection with a money laundering case. Malik has been facing allegations related to financial irregularities, and the extension comes as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
The decision to extend bail was made after a careful review of the case, considering various legal aspects and the arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense. Malik’s legal team emphasized that he has been cooperating with the investigation and has abided by the conditions of his bail.
The case against Nawab Malik has been a subject of significant attention, given his political stature and the nature of the charges. The extension of bail provides him with continued legal relief while the investigation unfolds. It is crucial to note that an extension of bail does not imply a judgment on the merits of the case but rather ensures that Malik can remain free during the ongoing legal process.
The court’s decision reflects the principles of justice, allowing individuals to have their day in court while maintaining the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. As the legal proceedings continue, Nawab Malik will have the opportunity to present his case and address the allegations against him.
This development adds another chapter to the complex intersection of politics and legal matters, raising questions about the accountability of public figures and the legal processes that govern such cases. The extension of Nawab Malik’s bail underscores the delicate balance between preserving individual rights and ensuring a thorough and fair investigation into alleged financial misconduct.
