The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning a petition by Hari Om Rai, the managing director of Lava International, seeking an extension of his interim bail.
Interim Bail
Rai, who was granted three months of interim bail in February due to health reasons, saw the term of his bail ending on May 15.
Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa, representing Hari Om Rai, emphasized the necessity for a six-month extension of bail, citing Rai’s serious heart condition. Pahwa mentioned that Rai had already submitted medical documents from AIIMS, which could be verified by the ED.
Acknowledging these submissions, the bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma sought a response from the ED and scheduled a further hearing on May 13. Rai was arrested by the ED in connection with a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case related to Chinese mobile phone manufacturing company Vivo.
Previously, the Delhi High Court, while granting three months’ interim bail to Rai, highlighted the urgency of specialized medical care in cardiac emergencies, considering the grave risks involved. The court underscored Rai’s health condition, his age of 57 years, and his diagnosed heart-related issues, including angina, for which coronary angiography was recommended.
Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa, along with other advocates, appeared for Rai in the matter. Rai’s plea explained his involvement with Vivo China in 2013, aiming for a joint venture that ultimately did not materialize.
Despite deteriorating India-China relations over time, Rai argued that his actions did not constitute an offense when friendly business relations prevailed.
Accusations
According to the ED, certain Chinese shareholders of Grand Prospect International Communication Private Ltd. committed fraudulent activities, including using forged identification documents.
The agency alleged that fraudulent incorporation and misrepresentation were evident in the company’s records. Raids conducted by the ED led to the seizure of cash and the arrest of several individuals, including Rai.
The PMLA investigation initiated by the ED followed the registration of a money laundering case on February 3, 2022.
