Supreme Court grants M Sivasankar 2-month extension on interim bail for medical reasons.

Supreme Court Extends Interim Bail of M Sivasankar in LIFE Mission Corruption Case

The Supreme Court has granted a two-month extension of interim bail to M Sivasankar, Former Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Kerala in the LIFE Mission corruption case. This decision comes after Sivasankar was previously granted interim bail for 2 months on medical grounds on 2nd August. Sivasankar had sought bail in a money laundering case related to the LIFE Mission corruption case, citing ill-health. The LIFE Mission project is a housing initiative by the Kerala Government for the homeless.

Medical Condition Considered in Extension of Bail

A bench consisting of Justice A S Bopanna and Justice M M Sundresh extended the interim bail till December 5th, taking into account the accused’s medical condition and the need for further treatment. Senior Advocate Jayanth Muthuraj, 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 opposed the application for extension, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to support it. He claimed that the accused was filing applications based on private certificates. In a lighter vein, Justice Bopanna remarked that Section 45 of PMLA had become counterproductive and that everyone would now claim to be sick. Justice Sundresh added that the accused should take better care of his health.

Conditions of Previous Interim Bail

The previous interim bail granted on August 2nd allowed Sivasankar to seek surgery and post-operative care. However, the Apex Court specified that he could not leave the vicinity of the hospital and his home during the duration of the bail.

Background of the Case

Sivasankar’s bail application was filed before the Apex Court after the Kerala High Court rejected it. The money laundering case pertains to alleged illegal gratification received for awarding the contract work for the LIFE Mission’s project, which aimed to build 140 housing units in Thrissur district using funds donated by UAE Red Crescent 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