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Delhi HC reserves decision on Amitabh Jhunjhunwala’s bail plea
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday completed hearing the bail plea filed by former Reliance ADAG and senior official Amitabh Jhunjhunwala in the money laundering case and reserved its decision. Jhunjhunwala had sought bail primarily on medical grounds. In this case, the bail plea was also opposed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Jhunjhunwala has been in custody in this case since April 2026. Earlier on September 5, the Rouse Avenue Court had rejected his bail plea. After this, he approached the Delhi High Court citing his medical condition.
After Tuesday’s hearing, the High Court’s decision is now awaited. The court has not yet made public any final order regarding granting or rejecting bail.
Bail sought on medical grounds
Senior lawyers representing Jhunjhunwala sought bail, citing his health condition. The defence told the court that he is around 70 years old and has been suffering from several health problems for a long time.
The defense cited heart problems, orthopedic issues, high blood pressure and back problems. His lawyers also cited the statutory exception available for a sick or infirm person under Section 45 of the PMLA.
The ED argued that Jhunjhunwala was being provided continuous and expert medical care while in custody. The agency said medical records indicate that treatment was provided.
ED opposes bail
The ED opposed before the High Court, citing the gravity of the case and Jhunjhunwala’s prior role. The agency alleges that he was instrumental in financial transactions involving Reliance Home Finance Limited and Reliance Commercial Finance Limited.
The ED also argued that there are several former employees as potential witnesses in the case and given the former senior position of the accused, the possibility of influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence should be considered. These are ED’s allegations and the final judicial conclusion in the case is yet to come.
The defence opposed these arguments, saying that the bail was sought mainly in view of his health condition. After hearing the arguments of both the parties, the High Court reserved its decision.
Rouse Avenue Court previously rejected bail
Earlier, on September 5, Special Judge Vishal Pahuja of Rouse Avenue Court rejected Jhunjhunwala’s bail plea. The court had considered several aspects at that time, including the status of the investigation and the possibility of influencing witnesses.
The trial court order mentioned the serious allegations made by the ED. The court had said that considering the facts that emerged during the investigation and the circumstances of the case, there were no sufficient grounds to grant bail at that stage.
Jhunjhunwala then filed a petition in the High Court, citing his medical condition as the primary basis for the petition.
Investigation into money laundering cases involving RHFL and RCFL
This case relates to the ED investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving Reliance Home Finance Limited and Reliance Commercial Finance Limited. The agency has alleged that funds belonging to the companies were allegedly diverted through various corporate entities.
The ED investigation is reportedly looking into transactions worth thousands of crores of rupees. Various reports put the alleged amount of the case at more than Rs 11,000 crore. However, this is based on the allegations made by the investigating agency and the claims made in the investigation, which are yet to be finally determined by the court.
Jhunjhunwala was arrested by the ED on April 15, 2026. Former Reliance Capital CFO Amit Bapna was also arrested along with him. ED investigation and legal proceedings are also under scrutiny.
The ED investigation in the case is ongoing, as well as legal proceedings in the courts.
The ED has also filed a prosecution complaint against Jhunjhunwala in connection with its investigation. Both the defence and the agency have presented their arguments before the High Court.
On the question of bail, the High Court will have to consider the medical condition as well as the legal conditions applicable under PMLA and the circumstances of the case.
At present, the High Court has reserved its order after hearing the arguments of both the parties. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to draw any conclusion on the status without the final order of the court.
Now awaiting the High Court’s order.
The Delhi High Court’s decision on Amitabh Jhunjhunwala’s bail plea will be the next important development in this case. The court has completed the hearing and reserved the order.
While the defence has cited his health condition and the medical exception under the PMLA, the ED has opposed bail on the grounds of availability of treatment and its allegations in the case.
Now it will be clear from the order of the High Court whether Jhunjhunwala gets bail at this stage or his custody continues. Until then, the allegations leveled in the case must be viewed merely as accusations, as a final judicial determination is still pending.
