Court reserves order on Chhagan Bhujbal bail

The special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court on Wednesday, after hearing arguments from both sides, reserved its order on the bail application filed by senior Nationalist Congress Party leader and former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal till May 13.

Senior counsel Prasad Dhakeparkar while arguing for Bhujbal told the special judge P.R. Bhavake that the bail plea has nothing to do with merits of the case and is entirely based on medical grounds. He said that his client is suffering from various serious ailments and needs constant monitoring by doctors and hence he should be granted bail.

The lawyer pointed out that there is a restriction on granting bail to accused arrested under PMLA, but there is exception for people of old age, women and those who are sick and suffering from infirmity. He told the court that the applicant is around 69-years-old and is suffering from multiple diseases. Mr Dhakeparker told the court that if not granted bail then serious health complications could arise for the applicant.

Bhujbal’s lawyer informed the court that the NCP leader is suffering from Chronic Bronchial Asthama since 1980 and he has been using a Nebulizer machine since 1990 because he is also suffering from Sleep Apnea. He also said Bhujbal is suffering from diabetes since 2000, as well as Hypertension. He also said Bhujbal had Coronary Angiography Episodic in 2004, which leads to fluctuating heartbeat, blockage in his heart urinary obstruction and arthritis

On the other hand, Enforcement Directorate counsel Poornima Kantharia opposed the bail plea saying the chief medical officer is monitoring Bhujbal’s health twice a day and all possible treatment has been given to him. As he is being accorded utmost care, he should not be granted bail, she argued.