India
The Delhi High Court has refused to grant interim bail to Al Falah University group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with two separate money laundering investigations being conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Justice Saurabh Banerjee rejected Siddiqui’s plea seeking six weeks of interim bail on humanitarian grounds. The university chairman had approached the court citing the critical health condition of his wife, who is undergoing treatment for stage 4 ovarian cancer. Siddiqui argued that he wished to spend time with her during a difficult phase of her life and sought temporary release from custody.
However, after examining the medical records placed before the court, Justice Banerjee observed that there was no evidence of any sudden medical emergency requiring Siddiqui’s immediate release. The court noted that the records suggested his wife’s condition was stable and showing signs of improvement rather than deterioration.
The High Court also expressed concerns over the seriousness of the allegations against Siddiqui and the stage of the ongoing investigations. The court said there was a possibility that he could influence witnesses, tamper with evidence, or evade the legal process if released on interim bail.
In its order dated July 13, the court stated that while it sympathized with the medical condition of Siddiqui’s wife, humanitarian considerations alone could not override the stringent legal provisions governing bail in serious money laundering cases. The court emphasized that no exceptional or emergent circumstances had been demonstrated that would justify his temporary release.
At the same time, the court sought to strike a balance between legal considerations and humanitarian concerns by granting Siddiqui custody parole on three separate dates—July 21, July 23, and July 25, 2026. During these visits, he will be allowed to meet his wife between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. under strict police supervision.
Considering Siddiqui’s status as a high-risk undertrial prisoner, the court directed jail authorities to make comprehensive security arrangements during the parole visits. It also clarified that he would be permitted to meet only his wife and no other individual during the designated period.
The Enforcement Directorate had strongly opposed the interim bail application, arguing that Siddiqui posed a significant flight risk and could interfere with the investigation. The agency had instead suggested supervised custody parole as an alternative, a recommendation ultimately accepted by the court.
Siddiqui was first arrested by the ED on November 18, 2025, in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities involving student fee collections at the Faridabad-based Al Falah University. The investigation stems from FIRs registered by Delhi Police’s Crime Branch, which alleged that the university falsely projected National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation and University Grants Commission (UGC) recognition to attract students and parents.
According to the ED, the university generated approximately ₹415.10 crore between 2018 and 2025, with a portion of the funds allegedly diverted for personal use. Siddiqui was later arrested again in a separate money laundering investigation concerning the alleged fraudulent acquisition of land worth around ₹45 crore in Delhi.
The university has also attracted attention in a wider investigation described by authorities as a “white-collar terror” probe. In that case, two doctors linked to the institution were arrested, while another doctor associated with the university’s hospital, Umar-un-Nabi, was identified by investigators as the suicide bomber behind the November 10, 2025 blast outside Delhi’s Red Fort, which claimed 15 lives.
With the High Court declining interim bail, Siddiqui will remain in custody while the investigations and legal proceedings continue.
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