In a recent development, the Supreme Court has granted temporary medical bail to former Maharashtra Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, Nawab Malik, who has been facing charges in a money laundering case. The bail, which has been sanctioned for a duration of two months, was awarded on medical grounds and not on the merits of the case. The decision was rendered by a bench comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose and Bela M Trivedi.
The plea for medical bail was initially rejected by the Bombay High Court. However, the Supreme Court's recent ruling signifies a compassionate understanding of Nawab Malik's health condition. Senior Counsel Kapil Sibal, who represented Malik, highlighted the urgency of the situation by pointing out Malik's deteriorating health. "Complaint stands filed. I do not know why they need me inside. One kidney has completely failed," Sibal emphasized during the proceedings.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), conveyed that the ED did not oppose the grant of temporary medical bail for a specified period.
Nawab Malik's legal journey began when he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on allegations related to purchasing property at a rate lower than market value. The arrest was connected to a larger money laundering case linked to fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his associates. It was alleged that Malik had conspired with Dawood's sister, Haseena Parker, and others to acquire property in Mumbai's Kurla area between 1999 and 2006. The ED claimed that the funds paid by Malik were ultimately utilized for illicit activities, leading to charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Malik's legal representatives have consistently advocated for his medical condition, emphasizing that he has been undergoing treatment for kidney disease and other ailments for a significant period. The former minister's plea for temporary medical bail had previously been declined by a Mumbai special court and the Bombay High Court.
Picture Source : https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d4/Shri_Nawab_Malik.jpg
