Wife's Cancer Battle: Delhi HC Grants 7-Day Parole to Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui
Delhi High Court grants 7-day custody parole to money laundering accused Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui due to his wife's cancer treatment.
In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has granted a seven-day custody parole to Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, an accused in a high-profile money laundering investigation. The court's decision comes as a relief to Siddiqui, who sought temporary release to attend to his wife, who is currently battling cancer.
Medical Urgency Prompts Court's Decision
Justice Mini Pushkarna presided over the matter, granting the parole after a thorough verification of the medical documents submitted by the applicant. The urgency of the request was highlighted by the fact that the wife of the accused has critical medical appointments scheduled, including a vital test on November 8 and a chemotherapy session on November 10.
A senior advocate representing Siddiqui emphasized these dates, arguing that the presence of the husband was necessary during this grueling phase of the medical treatment. The defense also pointed toward previous instances where interim bail had been granted and referenced a prior Supreme Court order regarding custody parole applications.
ED Raises 'Flight Risk' Concerns
The road to securing this parole was not without hurdles. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is investigating the case, strongly opposed the plea for interim bail. Appearing via video conferencing, Senior Advocate Zoheb Hossain argued that Siddiqui posed a significant flight risk, suggesting that the applicant should have approached the High Court at an earlier stage.
Strict Conditions for Release
While the court acknowledged the medical crisis, it ensured that the legal process remains secure. To mitigate the risks raised by the ED, the Delhi High Court mandated that a police escort be deployed at Siddiqui's residence for the entire duration of his seven-day custody parole.
The Background of the Case
Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, who serves as the chairman of the Al Falah Trust, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Al Falah Group. The agency has been probing the financial dealings of the group as part of its wider investigation into illegal financial flows.