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A Supreme Court bench of Justices MR Shah and Nagaratna today rejected an interim bail application filed by former Ranbaxy executive Shivender Mohan Singh to attend post funeral ceremonies of his maternal uncle.

Gopal Jain, Sr.Adv, appearing for Singh submitted that “This is a humanitarian plea, my uncle has passed away on 8th March and my mother has had a stroke.” He further submitted that he has to take his mother from Beas to Sirsa for the ceremonies.

Justice Shah at this point retorted “You are saying your mother has had a stroke, how can she travel for five hours?” SG Tushar Mehta objected to the grant of bail plea by telling the court that there are charges of money laundering against Singh and he poses a serious flight risk.

Jain informed the court that Singh was granted bail on a previous occasion to attend another funeral. Justice Shah said “You sought for a bail to attend the funeral of someone from Radha Soami Satsang, she was not even related to you.” Jain however keep appealing the court to grant him bail under humanitarian consideration.

SG at this point submitted “This looks suspicious milords, he has multiple charges against him.” R.Basant, Sr.Adv, appearing for the de facto complainant in the matter said “While this man is in custody, his wife files a complaint saying she paid Rs.200 crores to release him. That FIR is also pending”

The court after hearing the submissions noted that “Though the interim bail has been sought on humanitarian ground, we are of the opinion that the presence of the petitioner is not must. There are serious allegations, there are apprehensions that he may flee. Interim bail rejected.”

Singh is facing charges under Prevention of Money Laundering Act and other criminal legislations for misappropriation of funds in a company called Religare Finvest Ltd. He has been in custody since November 2019.

Case title: Shivinder Mohan Singh Vs State of NCT Delhi