Bombay High Court Grants Medical Bail to Ushik Gala in Money Laundering Case
The Bombay High Court has granted medical bail to businessman Ushik Gala in connection with a money laundering case, observing that his serious health conditions and need for rehabilitation warranted relief. Justice Milind Jadhav passed the order on August 24, ruling that keeping him in custody could risk deteriorating his health.
Gala, a director of Suumaya Industries, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on November 18, 2025. The money laundering case originated from an Economic Offences Wing case linked to the Haryana government's "Need to Feed" scheme.
Seeking bail on medical grounds, Gala's counsel Rishi Bhuta submitted that the businessman had undergone three surgeries in less than four years, including a gall bladder removal in February 2026 and an abdominal hernia operation in July 2026. His treating doctor advised home-based rehabilitation and regular clinical monitoring.
Justice Jadhav observed that Gala's medical records demonstrated a prima facie requirement for extensive post-rehabilitation care. The court held that discharge from the hospital following surgery did not automatically indicate fitness to return to prison.
The Enforcement Directorate opposed the plea through advocate Pavan Patil, contending that Gala's condition was not life-threatening and that he could receive medical care in a prison hospital or state-run facility. The agency also argued that the twin conditions for bail under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act were not met.
The court rejected the agency's objections, noting a qualitative difference between treatment received by an undertrial prisoner and that received by an individual under no restraint. It held that the statutory exception under Section 45(1) of the PMLA for "sick or infirm" persons applied to Gala's case.
Gala was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh along with sureties. Under the bail terms, he must surrender his passport, remain in India without prior permission, and cooperate with investigators. The investigating officer has been permitted to visit Gala at his residence or hospital, while his supervising doctors must submit health reports within 15 days.
