The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted interim bail for two months to M. Sivasankar, former principal secretary to the Kerala Chief Minister, who is facing money laundering charges in a corruption case linked to the State-powered LIFE Mission housing project for the homeless.
A Bench of Justices A.S. Bopanna and M.M. Sundresh granted bail for medical treatment.
“We note that from the very medical prescription of the Government Medical College/Hospital, Ernakulam, the applicant has been advised surgery to the spine… In a matter of the present nature, where some post operative treatment is also required, we are of the opinion that the applicant be released on interim bail to avail the medical treatment for a period of two months,” the apex court ordered.
The court rejected a submission by the Enforcement Directorate that Mr. Sivasankar should be retained in custody. The agency said he would be treated in a facility of his choice.
Imposing conditions on his bail, the court directed Mr. Sivasankar to “not go to any other place except the vicinity of the hospital and his residence”. The court warned Mr. Sivasankar from misusing his liberty by interfering in the course of justice or by attempting to contact any witnesses.
It said the period of two months would be counted from the date on which he is released. The procedure for releasing him on bail shall be completed forthwith, the court ordered.
Senior advocate Jaideep Gupta, appearing for Mr. Sivasankar, had said his client’s health was poor.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, for the agency, contended that the accused was offered treatment in a government hospital, but had refused.
The Kerala High Court had earlier dismissed Mr. Sivasankar’s application for bail, reasoning that there was a danger of influencing witnesses.
In March 2021, the Central Bureau of Investigation, which is investigating the main case, had alleged in the Supreme Court that officials of the Kerala government’s Life Mission project received kickbacks to the tune of around ₹4.5 crore in collusion with their counterparts in the UAE Consulate General office.
The money was illegally diverted by two companies, Unitac and Sane Ventures, from foreign contributions received to build homes for flood victims on over two acres of land in Wadakancherry, the CBI had alleged in the Supreme Court.
