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2021 (6) TMI 1039 - HC - Money LaunderingSeeking pre-arrest bail - scheduled offences - first contention of respondent is that the offences under PML Act cause a serious threat not only to the financial system of the country but also integrity and sovereignty and for the offences under the PML Act, pre-arrest bail should not be granted - HELD THAT:- There cannot be any straitjacket formula for exercising jurisdiction under Section 438 Cr.P.C. and it all depends on the facts and circumstances of the case and where the fundamental right to personal liberty of accused is involved Courts cannot exercise jurisdiction mechanically - In the case on hand admittedly summons were issued to the petitioner in the year 2017 directing him to appear before the officials whereas the case of the petitioner is that he received summons in the year 2020 only and he mentioned reasons why he was not present before the officials and in support of the same the petitioner filed certain documents. Basing on the statement of one Ayush Goyal, who is nephew of the petitioner herein the petitioner was summoned and search was also conducted in the house of the petitioner during which certain articles were also seized and the petitioner's statement was recorded. Generally the Courts would hesitate to. grant anticipatory bail in case where there is reasonable apprehension that securing presence of the accused is difficult and there is every likelihood that he may influence witnesses and tamper the evidence - The respondents have not proceeded further against the petitioner and they have not taken any steps since 2017. It is stated by the learned counsel for the petitioner that the enquiry as far as nephew of the petitioner is concerned basing on whose statement the petitioner was summoned is also completed. Taking into consideration the allegations against the petitioner, where only summons were issued under Section 50 of PML Act in the year 2017, as the petitioner is not arrayed as an accused, the bail granted by learned I Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge-Cum-II Additional District Judge, Visakhapatnam, and the health condition of the petitioner and his wife this Court is of the view that this is a fit case for grant of pre-arrest bail - petitioner shall be released on bail in the event of his arrest in connection with Enforcement Case Information Report vide No. ECIR/VKSZO/03/2017 on the file of Directorate of Enforcement, Sub-Zonal Office, Visakhapatnam on condition of executing self bond for ₹ 50,000/- with two sureties for a likesum each to the satisfaction of Directorate of Enforcement, Sub-Zonal Office, Visakhapatnam. Petition allowed.
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