Delhi High Court Extends Bail for Businessman Amit Arora Amidst Health Concerns

The Delhi High Court has extended interim bail for businessman Amit Arora till August 30 due to his critical health condition. Arrested in November 2022 for the Delhi Excise Policy case, Arora, who has been out on bail since August 12, seeks regular bail under Section 45 of PMLA.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday extended the interim bail of accused businessman Amit Arora until August 30, citing his deteriorating health. Arora had submitted a regular bail application, emphasizing his urgent need for medical attention as his current bail was set to expire on August 21.

"Till the next date of hearing i.e., 30.08.2024, the applicant/petitioner is granted interim bail on account of his precarious medical condition, upon his furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs. 2,00,000/- and one surety of the like amount," stated the court. Arora's legal team, led by Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa and Advocate Prabhav Ralli, argued that his prolonged detention of approximately 16 months and the need for hospitalisation warranted the bail extension. They referenced the recent ruling in the Manish Sisodia vs. Directorate of Enforcement case.

Arora's counsel informed Justice Neena Bansal Krishna of his life-threatening medical conditions, substantiated by medical records indicating symptoms such as breathlessness, cough, dyspnoea on exertion, and fever, detected on August 16. He was advised immediate hospital admission and oxygen support. Arora has been on interim bail since August 12, following an order by a special judge under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Businessman Amit Arora, director of Buddy Retail Private Limited in Gurugram, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in November 2022 in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to the Delhi excise policy case. The Central Bureau of Investigation had also named him in the FIR related to this matter. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)