The Delhi High Court on Monday, 21 September 2026, granted four weeks of interim bail on medical grounds to Lovkesh Bajaj, the hotel owner accused in the Malviya Nagar hotel fire tragedy that claimed 21 lives. The order was passed by a single-judge Bench of Justice Sachin Datta, who observed that Bajaj had undergone major abdominal surgery and faced a risk of post-operative complications requiring careful medical management.

Grounds for Interim Relief

Justice Datta noted that Bajaj had been discharged from hospital only on 15 September 2026, and held that 'having regard to the nature of the surgery undergone by the applicant and the short period that has elapsed since his discharge from the hospital', he deserved interim bail to recuperate adequately. The court was unequivocal that the order was passed solely to decide the interim bail application on medical grounds and would neither influence the trial nor be construed as any opinion on the merits of the case.

Bail was granted upon Bajaj furnishing a personal bond of ₹25,000 along with one surety of a like amount, to the satisfaction of the concerned trial court.

Medical Condition: What the Jail Report Said

A medical status report submitted by Central Jail authorities revealed that Bajaj had undergone exploratory laparotomy with peritoneal lavage, resection of a strictured ileal segment and anastomosis, along with pelvic drain placement, on 31 August, following a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction and diabetes mellitus. The report noted that he subsequently developed a surgical site infection, and his lower midline abdominal wound was left open on the seventh postoperative day.

The wound was being regularly dressed, but the report flagged risks of pressure on the surgical site and wound dehiscence. Fluctuating blood sugar levels were also recorded, with Bajaj receiving antibiotics, oral hypoglycaemic treatment, and supportive medication at the jail dispensary.

The court had, in an earlier order last week, sought a fresh medical report after Bajaj's counsel expressed concern that his open wound might not receive appropriate care in jail. It had initially noted a report from RML Hospital stating that simple dressing manageable at the jail hospital would suffice, but subsequently directed a fresh assessment of the wound's condition — including whether there was pus or discharge.

Bail Conditions Imposed by the Court

The Delhi High Court imposed strict conditions on Bajaj's release. He must remain within the territorial limits of New Delhi and cannot leave the city without prior court permission. He is required to furnish his residential address and mobile number to jail authorities and the investigating officer, with location services kept enabled on his phone at all times.

The court explicitly prohibited him from contacting the complainant, family members of the deceased, or any witnesses in the case. The interim bail period is to be used exclusively for medical treatment and recuperation. Bajaj must surrender before the concerned Jail Superintendent upon expiry of the bail period.

The Fire: Background and Charges

The blaze had engulfed the Flourish Stay hotel in the congested Hauz Rani area of Malviya Nagar in the early hours, trapping guests inside the multi-storey structure. The fire spread across the basement, ground floor, and five upper floors, with heat and smoke causing extensive damage and killing 21 people.

Investigators found that the property was registered under the Bed and Breakfast (B&B) scheme, which permitted the operation of only six rooms, but was allegedly being run with around 25 rooms. Several rooms were also reportedly being operated in the basement — a safety violation cited in subsequent proceedings.

Bajaj is facing prosecution under FIR No. 197/2026 registered at Malviya Nagar Police Station under Sections 105, 326(g), 324(5), 125(a), 125(b) and 287 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The Delhi Police had earlier filed a charge sheet before the Saket Court against three accused, including Bajaj, following an inquiry into alleged serious safety violations, regulatory lapses, and negligence by hotel management.

The case is expected to proceed in trial court, with Bajaj required to surrender once the four-week bail window closes.