Delhi High Court Grants Bail to Dheeraj Wadhawan in ₹34,926.77 Crore Financial Fraud Case Involving Bank Loans on Medical Grounds

Court’s Decision:
The Delhi High Court granted bail to Dheeraj Wadhawan on medical grounds, noting his severe health conditions. Wadhawan had been accused in a major financial fraud case and had sought bail citing deteriorating health and the inability of jail facilities to cater to his medical needs.

Facts of the Case:
Dheeraj Wadhawan, along with his co-accused, was charged with misappropriating a significant amount of funds through a series of fraudulent transactions involving multiple shell companies. The case pertains to financial fraud involving loans from various banks, with the total alleged misappropriation amounting to ₹34,926.77 crores.

Wadhawan had been in custody and sought bail based on medical issues, including cardiac conditions, chronic kidney disease, and a recent spinal surgery. He argued that the medical facilities at the jail were inadequate to address his health concerns.

Issues:
The central issue was whether Wadhawan’s health conditions warranted his release on bail for medical treatment outside jail facilities.

Petitioner’s Arguments:
The petitioner, Dheeraj Wadhawan, argued that his medical conditions were severe and could not be adequately managed in jail. He had undergone major spinal surgery and suffered from chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, and sleep apnea.

His counsel pointed out that the medical reports from AIIMS and Lilavati Hospital confirmed the need for regular medical monitoring and follow-up care, which could not be provided in the jail facilities.

Respondent’s Arguments:
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) opposed the bail application, arguing that the jail had adequate facilities for outpatient care and that Wadhawan’s medical condition did not require continuous hospitalization.

The CBI further argued that granting bail could pose a risk of Wadhawan tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.

Court’s Analysis:
The Court reviewed medical reports from AIIMS and Lilavati Hospital, which indicated that Wadhawan’s medical conditions were serious but manageable on an outpatient basis. However, considering the severity of his health issues and the need for ongoing treatment, the Court determined that Wadhawan’s medical needs justified his release on bail.

Conclusion:
The Delhi High Court granted bail to Dheeraj Wadhawan, subject to stringent conditions, including regular medical check-ups and reporting to authorities. The Court emphasized that the bail was being granted purely on medical grounds and did not reflect the merits of the case against him.