The Delhi High Court has extended the interim bail of businessman Amit Arora in the Delhi Excise Policy case until August 30, considering his deteriorating health condition. Arora, who had previously sought regular bail under the provision to Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), was facing the expiry of his current bail term on August 21.
The court's decision came as a relief to Arora, who has been under detention for around 16 months. Amit Arora's legal team, led by Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa and Advocate Prabhav Ralli, presented strong arguments in favour of extending his interim bail.
They highlighted the urgency of his medical situation, which necessitated immediate hospitalisation. The court was informed that Arora's health had significantly worsened, and he was suffering from life-threatening conditions.
According to medical records, on August 16, Arora exhibited symptoms including breathlessness, a persistent cough, difficulty breathing with exertion, and fever. Given these symptoms, he was taken to a clinic, where medical professionals quickly referred him to a hospital for admission and oxygen support.
During the hearing, Arora's counsel stressed the prolonged nature of his detention, which had extended over 16 months. They also referenced a recent judgement in the Manish Sisodia vs. Directorate of Enforcement case, which may have set a precedent for granting bail in similar circumstances.
The court, acknowledging the gravity of Arora's health issues and the arguments presented, decided to grant him interim bail until the next hearing on August 30. The bail was granted upon his furnishing a personal bond of ₹2,00,000 and one surety of the same amount.
Amit Arora's involvement in the Delhi Excise Policy case has drawn significant attention. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in November 2022 as part of the ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering activities related to the case.
Arora is the director of Buddy Retail Private Limited, a company based in Gurugram. His name was mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has been actively probing the matter.
Arora's legal troubles began when the ED accused him of being involved in a broader scheme related to the Delhi Excise Policy, a policy that has been mired in controversy.
The case has seen multiple arrests and has raised questions about the implementation and oversight of the excise policy in the national capital. The ED's investigation, which has been ongoing for several months, has focused on tracing the flow of money and determining the extent of financial irregularities.
The Delhi Excise Policy case itself has been a subject of intense scrutiny, with various high-profile individuals and businesses being implicated. The investigation has revealed potential lapses in the policy's formulation and execution, leading to allegations of corruption and money laundering. Amit Arora's case is just one of many that have emerged from this broader investigation.
Follow us
