Bail in Money Laundering Cases and the 'Twin Test' under PMLA

A trial court recently granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is facing charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). However, the Delhi High Court stayed this order, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding bail in money laundering cases and the 'twin test' mandated by the PMLA.

Key Highlights of the Issue

• Provision under PMLA: Section 45 of the PMLA makes bail an exception rather than the rule. It mandates hearing the public prosecutor in all bail applications and requires the court to apply the 'twin test' when the prosecutor opposes bail.
• The Twin Test: The two conditions under the 'twin test' are:
  • Reasonable grounds for believing that the accused is not guilty.
  • The accused is not likely to commit any offence while on bail.
• Legal Challenges: The 'twin test' has faced several legal challenges, including its constitutional validity and its stringent nature compared to other laws.

Reasons behind the Strict Bail Provisions

• Severity of the Offence: Money laundering is considered a severe offence, often involving influential, intelligent, and resourceful individuals who commit the crime with premeditation, making detection and evidence gathering challenging.
• Government's Argument: The government argues that the stringent bail conditions are necessary due to the sophisticated methods used in money laundering, which can pose a significant threat to national security and financial systems.
• Judicial Precedents: The Supreme Court has upheld the stringent bail conditions, emphasizing the need to apply the 'twin test' rigorously to prevent misuse of bail provisions in serious offences like money laundering.

Impact of the 'Twin Test' on Judicial Proceedings

• Prolonged Incarceration: The strict application of the 'twin test' often results in prolonged incarceration of the accused, as proving innocence before the trial is challenging.
• Judicial Discretion: The mandatory application of the 'twin test' limits judicial discretion in granting bail, leading to debates on the balance between individual rights and societal interests.
• Impact on Legal Strategy: Defense strategies in money laundering cases must account for the rigorous requirements of the 'twin test,' often focusing on disproving the allegations at the bail stage itself.

Required Measures for a Balanced Approach

• Legal Reforms: There is a need for legal reforms to ensure that the bail provisions under PMLA strike a balance between preventing misuse and protecting individual rights.
• Judicial Training: Judges need specialized training to handle the complexities of money laundering cases and apply the 'twin test' judiciously without compromising on fairness.
• Policy Review: Periodic review of the policy and its implementation can help identify areas of improvement and ensure that the stringent bail provisions serve their intended purpose without causing undue hardship to the accused.

Mains Practice Question

Q: "The stringent bail provisions under PMLA reflect the seriousness of money laundering as an offence. Discuss the impact of these provisions on the judicial process and suggest measures to ensure a balanced approach."