Delhi Court Sends Al-Falah University Chairman to 14 Days Judicial Custody in ED’s Terror-Linked PMLA Probe
Al-Falah University Chairman Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui has been sent to 14-day Judicial custody over a ₹415 crore money laundering case
A Delhi Court on Monday sent Al Falah University founder Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui to 14 days’ judicial custody in a money laundering case connected to the ongoing Red Fort blast investigation.
Siddiqui, who was in Enforcement Directorate custody for 13 days after his arrest on November 19, was produced before Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan of Saket Court.
The Court remanded him to judicial custody until December 15.
During the hearing, ED counsel briefly submitted that Siddiqui’s production was premature since his 13-day remand was set to expire at 1 a.m. on Tuesday, making Monday technically the twelfth day of custody. The court, however, proceeded with the remand.
Siddiqui’s counsel moved an application seeking access to prescribed medication and spectacles. The judge allowed the request. ED officials handed over his medical prescription, and the Court directed jail authorities to ensure he continued receiving necessary treatment.
The ECIR stems from two FIRs registered by the Delhi Police Crime Branch on November 13. FIR No. 337 alleges that Al-Falah University falsely continued to claim NAAC accreditation for its colleges long after their ratings had expired. FIR No. 338 accuses the University of falsely asserting recognition under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, though the University had never applied for or obtained such recognition.
According to the UGC, Al-Falah University is recognized only under Section 2(f) as a State Private University and is not eligible for financial grants. The ED argued that these assertions misled thousands of students, parents and stakeholders and enabled the institution to collect large sums in tuition and related fees.
The ED told the court that analysis of financial records showed that entities under Al-Falah Charitable Trust, including the University and its affiliated institutions, declared over ₹415 crore in revenue from educational receipts between 2018–2025. The agency contends these funds constitute proceeds of crime since they were generated via deception through false statutory claims.
The agency further submitted that Siddiqui exercised complete financial control over the trust and its institutions. Statements from senior officials, including the University’s Chief Financial Officer, reportedly confirm that major financial decisions were taken under Siddiqui’s authority.
The ED also alleged large-scale diversion of funds, including use of student fees for personal or family-linked concerns such as Amla Enterprises LLP and Karkun Construction & Developers. Investigation, according to the agency, also suggested that some properties and assets were layered or held in the names of family members or trusted associates.
Siddiqui was arrested at around 8.10 pm on November 18 by the ED after the agency invoked provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), alleging that the University and its controlling entities generated over ₹415 crore in proceeds of crime through deception and misrepresentation regarding its academic status.
The proceedings were conducted at the Judge’s residence in compliance with an administrative order of the District & Sessions Judge for South-East Delhi. Siddiqui was produced before the court at around 11 pm, and the matter continued until 1 am before the custody order was passed.
Case Title: Directorate of Enforcement v. Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui
Hearing Date: December 1, 2025
Bench: ASJ Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan