Supreme Court Extends M Sivasankar’s Interim Bail for Two Months in LIFE Mission Corruption Case
In a recent development, the Supreme Court has granted a two-month extension of interim bail to Mr. M Sivasankar, the former Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Kerala. This decision follows Sivasankar’s initial grant of interim bail for a duration of two months on medical grounds, which was issued on August 2nd. Sivasankar had sought bail in connection with a money laundering case related to the LIFE Mission corruption case, citing his deteriorating health. The LIFE Mission initiative is a housing project initiated by the Kerala Government to provide homes for the homeless.
Medical Condition Takes Precedence
The decision to extend the interim bail was rendered by a bench comprising Justice A S Bopanna and Justice M M Sundresh. It was based on the accused’s medical condition and the necessity for further medical treatment. Senior Advocate Jayanth Muthuraj, representing Sivasankar and briefed by Advocate-on-Record Manu Srinath, informed the Court that Sivasankar had already undergone one surgery and would require another spinal surgery in the second week of October.
However, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj voiced opposition to the application for extension, asserting that there was insufficient substantiation to warrant it. He argued that the accused was relying on private certificates as evidence. In a lighter moment, Justice Bopanna remarked that Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) had seemingly become counterproductive, with everyone seeking reprieve on medical grounds. Justice Sundresh added that it was incumbent upon the accused to prioritize his health.
Conditions of Previous Interim Bail
The earlier interim bail, which was granted on August 2nd, permitted Sivasankar to undergo surgery and receive post-operative care. However, the Supreme Court specified that he could not depart from the vicinity of the hospital and his residence during the duration of the bail.
Background of the Case
Sivasankar’s application for bail was presented before the Supreme Court after the Kerala High Court had rejected it. The money laundering case revolves around alleged illicit gratification received in exchange for awarding contract work for the LIFE Mission’s housing project. The project’s objective was to construct 140 housing units in the Thrissur district, funded by contributions from the UAE Red Crescent earmarked for Kerala flood victims. Sivasankar had been in custody since his arrest on February 14th by the Enforcement Directorate, until the Supreme Court granted him interim bail.
Case Title: M. Sivasankar v. UoI And Anr | SLP(Crl) No. 5590/2023
News Facts:
- The Supreme Court has extended M Sivasankar’s interim bail in the LIFE Mission corruption case for an additional two months.
- The basis for the interim bail extension is the accused’s medical condition, with the Court considering the need for upcoming surgery and post-operative care.
- During the bail period, Sivasankar is restricted from leaving the vicinity of the hospital and his residence.
- The money laundering case involves allegations of illicit gratification in connection with the Kerala Government’s housing project.
- Sivasankar had been in custody since his arrest in February, but he was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court.
