Read Time: 04 minutes

Synopsis

A single judge bench of the Bombay High Court comprising Justice Anuja Prabhudesai today rejected the medical bail plea filed by NCP Leader and Former Cabinet Minister Nawab Malik in PMLA case registered by the Enforcement Directorate against Malik. 

While rejecting the bail plea Justice Anuja Prabhudesai said that she will continue hearing the plea on merits after 2 weeks. 

Malik had approached the high court after a Special PMLA Court had rejected his bail plea in December 2022. 

The Enforcement Directorate had opposed the bail plea of Nawab Malik while arguing that Malik had connections with Haseena Parker and Salim Patel who are gang members of Dawood Ibrahim. It was contended that Malik was involved with them with regard to the money laundering of illegal property and received proceeds of crime. It was further alleged that Malik had not co-operated with the investigation agency and had attended meetings with Hasina Parker for controlling the properties.

Nawab Malik was arrested by the ED on the grounds that he had purchased property from Ibrahim lower than market value.

Mallik had sought bail on the grounds that the special court did not take into consideration the observations made by the high court while granting bail to NCP Leader Anil Deshmukh. He had also contended that the special court did not consider the medical condition of Malik.

Senior Advocate Amit Desai, representing Malik, argued during the hearing that Malik is experiencing severe health issues related to his kidneys, particularly with his right kidney deteriorating. Desai emphasized that along with medical treatment, Malik needs to reside in a stress-free environment in order to regain his health and be prepared for the trial. 

Desai had also informed the court that the head of the department of the JJ Hospital in his report has stated that Nawab Malik lost his one kidney while he was in custody.

In response, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) strongly objected to this argument. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Singh, representing the ED, informed the court that stress is a common experience for everyone and cannot be used as a valid reason to request bail.

Case title: Nawab Malik vs ED