Supreme Court grants bail to Sanjay Sureka in Concast Steel money laundering case; five-day delay under PMLA not fatal to arrest.
Supreme Court Grants Bail in Concast Steel PMLA Case
The Supreme Court has granted bail to Sanjay Sureka, a key accused in the Concast Steel money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). The Court found prolonged custody unjustified, noting the Enforcement Directorate had not demonstrated flight risk or witness tampering.
The Court also ruled that a five-day delay in producing a copy of the accused’s statement under Section 19(2) PMLA did not invalidate the arrest, as substantial compliance was observed. The judgment reiterates that procedural lapses not affecting fairness of trial do not nullify proceedings.
This decision may influence pending bail applications in PMLA cases, particularly where accused persons argue extended custody violates Articles 21 and 22 of the Constitution. Lawyers should emphasize proportionality and liberty in pre-trial detention arguments, even in stringent anti-money laundering proceedings.
Citations
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, Section 19(2)
