A Delhi court on Monday ordered the founder of Al Falah University, Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, to be placed in judicial custody for a period of 14 days. This decision comes in connection with a significant money laundering case that is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and has alleged links to terror financing.
Court Proceedings and Custody Details
Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan presided over the hearing and remanded Siddiqui to judicial custody until December 15. This follows an earlier 13-day custodial interrogation by the ED, which began on November 19. The ED counsel argued that presenting Siddiqui in court on Monday was premature, as his remand period technically ended in the early hours of Tuesday.
During the proceedings, Siddiqui's legal team submitted an application requesting that he be allowed access to his prescribed medication and spectacles while in custody. The judge approved this request. The ED officials provided Siddiqui's medical prescription to the court, which subsequently directed the jail authorities to ensure he continues to receive the necessary medical treatment.
Allegations by the Enforcement Directorate
The Enforcement Directorate has leveled serious accusations against Siddiqui and Al Falah University. The agency alleges that the university falsely claimed recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and misrepresented its accreditation status from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) to students.
Investigators claim that the institution witnessed a "meteoric rise" in revenue, generating approximately Rs 415.10 crore between 2018 and 2025. The ED informed the court that this financial growth did not align with the assets accumulated by the group. The agency's central allegation is that student fees and public funds were diverted for personal and private use.
The ED stated that Siddiqui exercised de facto control over the Al Falah Charitable Trust, which is the managing trustee, and other related entities. On the day of Siddiqui's arrest, searches were conducted at 19 locations across Delhi-NCR. These operations led to the recovery of around Rs 48 lakh in cash.
Next Steps and Case Progression
The case has drawn considerable attention due to its scale and the serious nature of the allegations linking financial crimes to potential terror activities. The next hearing in this high-profile matter is scheduled for December 15, which coincides with the end of Siddiqui's current judicial custody period.
The court's directions regarding medical care highlight the procedural aspects being followed even as the investigation into the alleged financial irregularities continues. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the regulation of private educational institutions and the enforcement of anti-money laundering laws in the country.
