Money Laundering Accused Can't Be Equated With Murder, Rape Accused: Delhi High Court While Granting Bail In PMLA Case

The Delhi High Court granted bail to Hari Om Rai, MD of Lava International, in a money laundering case linked to Vivo Mobile Communication China. Rai was arrested in October 2023 and had been in custody for over a month. The court considered the duration of his custody, the nascent stage of the trial, and the fact that other accused had been granted bail. The court emphasized that Section 45 of the PMLA, which imposes additional conditions for bail, should not be used as a tool for prolonged incarceration. The court noted that the trial was expected to take a long time due to the large number of accused, witnesses, and documents involved. This decision underscores the importance of balancing the need for investigation with the constitutional mandate of personal liberty and fair trial.