New Delhi, May 30: The Delhi High Court has held that participation in protest activities cannot be treated as a valid ground to deny bail in a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), while granting relief to a Popular Front of India (PFI)-linked activist.
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani made the observation while granting bail to Wahidur Rahman, who is facing allegations in a money laundering case being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The ED had opposed the bail plea, alleging that Rahman had participated in protests organised against the ban on PFI and was linked to an incident involving a petrol bomb. However, the Court observed that participation in protests, even if the manner of protest is disputed, cannot by itself become a decisive factor for denying bail in a PMLA prosecution.
The High Court further noted that the primary focus in a money laundering case should remain on the alleged financial transactions and the accused’s connection with the proceeds of crime. It also observed that the financial transactions attributed to Rahman formed only a very small portion of the overall amount under investigation.
While granting bail, the Court examined the material placed on record and held that the circumstances cited by the ED were insufficient to justify continued incarceration at the present stage of the proceedings.
The case is linked to alleged money laundering activities involving the banned PFI and its political affiliate, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).(KNC)
