The Delhi High Court has requested the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to present its stance on an interim bail application submitted by Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, an individual implicated in the Al-Falah Trust money laundering case. Siddiqui is seeking a six-week temporary release from custody, citing the ongoing cancer treatment of his wife.
Court Proceedings
Justice Madhu Jain issued a notice to the ED after Siddiqui challenged a trial court's earlier decision that rejected his interim bail plea. The matter is scheduled for further hearing.
Siddiqui's Arguments
Senior advocate Vikram Chaudhri, representing Siddiqui, informed the court that his client's wife, Usma Akhtar, is undergoing treatment for stage IV ovarian cancer and requires constant care. Siddiqui argued that he is her primary caregiver and must be present during her treatment, hence the request for interim bail.
ED's Opposition
The Enforcement Directorate opposed the petition, stating it is not maintainable and indicated that it would file a detailed response to the court.
Background of the Case
Earlier, the trial court dismissed Siddiqui's plea after reviewing Akhtar's medical records. While acknowledging her stage IV cancer diagnosis, the court noted that the records did not indicate an immediate life-threatening condition or emergency that would necessitate interim bail. The medical documents described her condition as “stable” and recorded a “good response to treatment.”
The trial court held that Siddiqui failed to demonstrate that his wife was terminally ill, unable to manage her daily routine, or that no alternative caregiver was available. It also observed that the couple's adult children could travel to India to provide support if required.
Furthermore, the court noted that Akhtar had traveled to the UAE in February this year, and there was no evidence to suggest she was unable to manage daily activities or lacked assistance.
Money Laundering Probe
According to the ED, the money laundering investigation stems from multiple FIRs registered by the Delhi Police, alleging cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy related to the operations of Al-Falah University and its associated entities.
