Delhi HC reserves order on Jawad Siddiqui's bail plea in Al-Falah case
Synopsis
The Delhi High Court has reserved its order on interim bail for Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, accused in a ₹493.24 crore money laundering case linked to Al-Falah University, after his wife's Stage-IV cancer diagnosis became the central humanitarian argument — one a trial court already rejected, citing 'stable' medical records.
Key Takeaways
The Delhi High Court reserved its order on Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui's interim bail on 13 July in the Al-Falah Trust money laundering case .
Siddiqui has sought six weeks of interim bail, citing his wife Usma Akhtar's treatment for Stage-IV ovarian cancer .
The Enforcement Directorate has opposed the plea, calling it not maintainable.
A trial court at Saket Courts had earlier rejected interim bail on 9 June , noting her condition was 'stable' with a 'good response to treatment'.
The ED alleges proceeds of crime worth ₹493.24 crore between 2016-17 and 2024-25 , with attached assets exceeding ₹183 crore .
Siddiqui's regular bail hearing is listed for 29-30 July before the Delhi High Court.
The Delhi High Court on Monday, 13 July reserved its order on interim bail applications filed by Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, an accused in the Al-Falah Trust money laundering case, who has sought temporary release on humanitarian grounds, citing his wife's ongoing treatment for Stage-IV cancer.
Key Developments in Court
A single-judge Bench of Justice Saurabh Banerjee reserved orders after hearing detailed arguments from both sides. Senior advocate Vikram Chaudhri, briefed by advocates Vishvendra Tomar, Talib Mustafa, and Abhishek Singh, appeared for Siddiqui. Senior advocate Zoheb Hossein represented the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The interim bail applications arise from two separate money laundering cases under ED investigation. Siddiqui's regular bail applications are listed for hearing before the Delhi High Court on 29 and 30 July.
Grounds for Interim Bail
Siddiqui has contended that his wife, Usma Akhtar, is undergoing treatment for Stage-IV ovarian cancer and that he is her primary caregiver. He has sought six weeks of interim bail to be present during the ongoing course of her treatment.
The ED has opposed the plea, arguing that the petition is not maintainable and resisting the grant of interim bail.
What the Trial Court Said
An Additional Sessions Judge at Saket Courts had earlier dismissed Siddiqui's interim bail applications after examining his wife's medical records. In its order dated 9 June, the Special Court observed that while Akhtar's Stage-IV cancer diagnosis was undisputed, the medical documents described her condition as 'stable' and recorded a 'good response to treatment'.
The trial court held that Siddiqui had failed to establish that his wife was terminally ill, incapable of managing her daily routine, or that no alternative caregiver was available.
The Underlying Money Laundering Case
According to the ED, the money laundering probe stems from multiple FIRs registered by the Delhi Police alleging cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy linked to the operations of Al-Falah University and its associated entities.
The ED has alleged that Al-Falah University falsely projected expired NAAC accreditations as valid and claimed non-existent UGC recognition. Its medical college was also allegedly involved in irregularities to secure approvals from the National Medical Commission (NMC).
The agency has claimed its investigation revealed proceeds of crime worth ₹493.24 crore generated between 2016-17 and 2024-25, allegedly diverted through entities linked to Siddiqui and his family. Earlier this year, the ED attached assets worth ₹39.45 crore belonging to Al-Falah Charitable Trust and Siddiqui, along with university land and buildings valued at more than ₹144 crore.
What Happens Next
With the Delhi High Court having reserved its order, the next significant date in the proceedings is the regular bail hearing scheduled for 29-30 July. The court's decision on interim bail will be closely watched given the humanitarian angle and the scale of the underlying financial crime allegations.
Point of View
Even on humanitarian grounds. The trial court's 9 June reasoning — that 'stable' cancer is insufficient grounds for release — sets a high bar that courts have consistently applied to PMLA accused regardless of personal circumstance. What is notable here is the scale of alleged diversion: ₹493.24 crore linked to an institution that reportedly misrepresented its academic credentials to students and regulators alike. The humanitarian plea, however genuine, risks obscuring the systemic accountability question at the heart of this case.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Al-Falah Trust money laundering case?
The Al-Falah Trust money laundering case involves an ED investigation into alleged cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy linked to Al-Falah University and its associated entities. The ED claims proceeds of crime worth ₹493.24 crore were generated between 2016-17 and 2024-25, allegedly diverted through entities linked to accused Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui and his family.
Why has Jawad Siddiqui sought interim bail?
Siddiqui has sought six weeks of interim bail on humanitarian grounds, stating that his wife Usma Akhtar is undergoing treatment for Stage-IV ovarian cancer and that he is her primary caregiver. He has argued that his presence is necessary during the ongoing course of her treatment.
Why did the trial court reject Siddiqui's earlier interim bail application?
The Additional Sessions Judge at Saket Courts rejected the plea on 9 June, finding that Akhtar's medical records described her condition as 'stable' with a 'good response to treatment'. The court held that Siddiqui had not established that she was terminally ill, unable to manage daily routines, or that no alternative caregiver was available.
What assets has the ED attached in the Al-Falah case?
The ED has attached assets worth ₹39.45 crore belonging to Al-Falah Charitable Trust and Siddiqui, along with university land and buildings valued at more than ₹144 crore, as part of its ongoing money laundering probe.
When is the next hearing in Jawad Siddiqui's case?
The Delhi High Court has reserved its order on the interim bail applications. Separately, Siddiqui's regular bail applications are listed for hearing before the Delhi High Court on 29 and 30 July.
