A Delhi court has denied interim bail to Binoy Babu, an official of liquor giant Pernod Ricard embroiled in a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam involving AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh.
Babu, previously on interim bail for 4.5 months citing medical reasons related to a degenerating jaw bone and gum disease.
Special Judge M K Nagpal dismissed the application, saying it was not a fit case for granting interim bail on medical grounds.
The bench highlighted that while bail was initially granted to some co-accused based on medical grounds and extended by higher courts, their applications were later “dismissed with strong observations.” The court felt that the legal process was being abused, directing co-accused to undergo necessary treatments or surgeries from judicial custody.
The judge emphasized that Babu is confined in custody in a serious money laundering case, with allegations of active involvement in laundering proceeds of crime generated through criminal activities. Babu, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on November 10, 2022, remains in judicial custody, and his regular bail application is awaiting a hearing before the Supreme Court.
While denying interim bail, the judge permitted Babu to seek treatment from any private doctor or hospital of his choice in Delhi-NCR. The judge noted that this decision aims to balance the applicant’s constitutional right to choose the best treatment with the seriousness of the allegations. Jail authorities are directed to ensure Babu’s transportation to the chosen doctor/hospital as per appointments.
The judge specified that all expenses incurred on private treatment, including transportation and security, must be covered by Babu or his family.
