Punjab & Haryana High Court Refuses to Cancel IREO MD’s Bail; ‘Stranger’ Has No Locus Without Direct Prejudice

In a PMLA case, Punjab & Haryana High Court declined a plea to cancel bail granted to Lalit Goyal, Managing Director of IREO Group, holding that a “stranger” to the case with no direct prejudice cannot seek cancellation of bail. The petitioner described himself as a “practising Advocate and prospective home buyer” who alleged that Goyal transferred property despite a court-imposed restriction; claimed inaction by Enforcement Directorate. The court said locus standi requires actual grievance; only directly aggrieved persons may move for cancellation. It observed that misuse or violation of bail conditions, interference with investigation, witness intimidation etc. would justify cancellation; mere allegations of financial transactions without proof or violation are not enough. In this case, the condition of weekly marking before ED had been complied with; no fresh material was shown. ED itself did not seek cancellation.