Delhi Court Grants Interim Bail to Al-Falah Chairman for Wife's Cancer Care
A Delhi court has granted two-week interim bail to Al-Falah Group chairman Jawed Siddiqui in a money laundering case, allowing him to provide care and support for his wife who is undergoing treatment for stage 4 ovarian cancer.
Court's Compassionate Decision
Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan granted the relief on Saturday, noting that Siddiqui's wife requires support during her chemotherapy treatment at a Delhi hospital. The court emphasized that the medical documents presented were not disputed by the Enforcement Directorate.
"After considering all the present facts and circumstances, I am of the considered view that applicant/accused deserves to be enlarged on interim bail as the wife of accused is unwell," the court stated in its order.
Family Circumstances Considered
The court observed that the couple's three children are studying in the United Arab Emirates and are unable to travel to India, leaving the woman without immediate family support during this critical time.
"The wife of accused/ applicant requires care and support, cannot be ignored and it is also a fact that she does not have her family or children besides her and it is only the accused/ applicant being her husband who is required to give her support," the court noted.
Bail Conditions Imposed
Siddiqui, who was arrested on November 18, 2025, in the case registered by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), was granted interim bail for two weeks on furnishing a personal bond and surety of Rs 1 lakh each.
The court imposed several strict conditions:
- Not to leave Delhi-NCR without permission
- Keep his mobile phone active at all times
- Surrender his passport to authorities
- Not to contact witnesses or the complainant during the period of release
ED Opposition and Court Response
The Enforcement Directorate had opposed the bail plea, arguing that Siddiqui was involved in serious offences and could potentially influence the ongoing investigation. However, the court noted that the accused had cooperated with the investigation and had not made any attempt to flee thus far.
The court stated that any apprehensions raised by the ED could be adequately addressed through the imposition of strict conditions, balancing the need for investigation with humanitarian considerations.
Background of the Case
On February 5, the agency arrested Siddiqui on charges of forgery related to alleged irregularities in the functioning of a private university. He was produced before the court on Saturday following this arrest.
The ED's money laundering investigation stems from two FIRs registered by the Delhi Police Crime Branch. The allegations include that Al Falah University falsely projected NAAC accreditation and UGC recognition to mislead students and parents.
The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that the university generated Rs 415.10 crore between 2018 and 2025, and that funds collected from students were diverted for personal use.
Broader Investigation Context
The university had previously come under scrutiny in a 'white-collar terror' probe in which two doctors linked to the institution were arrested. Another doctor, Umar-un-Nabi, associated with the university's hospital, was identified as the suicide bomber in the November 10 blast outside the Red Fort that resulted in 15 fatalities.
The court's decision represents a careful balancing of legal requirements with humanitarian considerations, acknowledging the critical medical situation of the accused's spouse while maintaining appropriate safeguards for the ongoing investigation.
