Special CBI Judge Dismisses DK Shivakumar's Bail Plea In Money Laundering Case [Read Order]

Special CBI Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar has rejected the bail application of Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar in a money laundering case.

Challenging the bail, ASG KM Nataraj had submitted before the court that DK Shivakumar has not provided the source for 317 bank accounts and assets running into crores belonging to him and his family. It was also highlighted that a significant amount of agricultural income was transferred to DK Shivakumar's bank accounts without showing any substantial agricultural expenditure.

On the issue of bail, Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for DK Shivakumar, submitted that the accused doesn't meet the triple test for denying bail. It was argued that since he's a 7 time MLA, a public figure and has his roots in the society, there's no risk of him fleeing from investigation or tampering with the evidence.

It was also pointed out by Mr Rohatgi that the charges against the accused under the Income Tax Act are compoundable offences, hence they are not serious offences and bail should be allowed. He said that since the ED could not invoke PMLA for offences under Income Tax Act, it manufactured a charge of criminal conspiracy under section 120B of the IPC.

Adding to this, Abhishek Manu Singhvi cited DK Shivakumar's medical condition as a ground for bail. He had pointed out that Shivakumar has been diagnosed with hypertension and high blood pressure and he has also complained of chest pain and high fever.  

Click Here To Download Order

[Read Order]