India

Rouse Avenue Court Denies Bail Extension For Businessman In Money Laundering Case

The Rouse Avenue Court on Tuesday rejected a plea from businessman Amit Katyal, an accused in a suspected land-for-job money laundering case, seeking an extension of interim bail granted to him in February this year. Consequently, the court has directed Katyal to surrender before jail authorities by today.

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and her two daughters have been charged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the same case. However, the court has criticized the conduct of the ED for obtaining independent medical opinions on the health of the accused, considering it a breach of privacy and an overreach of the court’s authority.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne declined Katyal’s plea for an extension of interim bail, stating, “The plea of the accused for extension of interim bail is declined.” The court has instructed Katyal to surrender before the Superintendent of Central Jail by 5:00 pm on May 1, noting that he has been deemed fit for normal physical activity following surgery at Medanta Hospital and is in a recovered state of health.

While addressing the plea, the court questioned the ED’s conduct in recording statements from treating doctors at private hospitals without consulting the accused or seeking permission from the court. The judge cautioned against the misuse of stringent provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and emphasized the right to privacy and data protection.

The court further mandated the Director of the ED to ensure that agency officers are well-versed in the legal provisions concerning privacy rights and medical regulations. Additionally, it stressed the need for medical practitioners to be equally aware of these legal nuances.

The court expressed concern over the sharing of the accused’s medical records with government hospitals and the verification of previous treatments with private hospitals without the accused’s consent or court permission. While acknowledging the court’s authority in matters related to the accused’s health, the judge criticized the ED’s overzealous approach and urged restraint in future actions.

The court emphasized adherence to established norms and respect for court orders, particularly when matters are under judicial consideration. It highlighted the importance of maintaining confidentiality and respecting privacy rights in legal proceedings.

Also Read: BJP Stands Firm On Reservation, Amit Shah Says ‘Even If One Member….’

Srishti Verma

Recent Posts

PM Modi Announces Sending Lord Buddha’s Relics To Thailand

PM Modi announced that India will send relics of Lord Buddha, discovered in Gujarat’s Aravalli…

6 hours ago

PM Modi Shares Highlights From Bangkok: A Vibrant Welcome, Community Connect, & The Ramayan!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the deep cultural ties between India and Thailand during his…

6 hours ago

Judicial Strength At Risk, Says Delhi HC Bar Association On Justice Singh’s Transfer

The Delhi High Court Bar Association has raised concerns over Justice Chandra Dhari Singh’s transfer…

7 hours ago

PM Modi: Thailand Key To India’s ‘Act East’ Policy & Indo-Pacific Vision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Bangkok, highlighted Thailand's strategic importance in India's…

7 hours ago

Thailand Releases Commemorative Stamp Showcasing 18th-Century Ramayan Murals During PM Modi’s Visit

Thailand unveiled a commemorative stamp featuring 18th-century Ramayan mural paintings, marking the first day of…

8 hours ago

Centuries-Old Bonds Strengthen As India-Thailand Deepen Partnership: PM Modi

PM Modi and Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra elevate India-Thailand ties to a strategic partnership in…

8 hours ago