Life Mission project case | SC grants bail to ex-Kerala principal secretary on medical grounds
The Hindu
SC grants 2-mo bail to Sivasankar on medical grounds in FCRA case. Bench directs he won't influence witnesses. SG opposed bail citing his closeness to high constitutional functionary. Kerala HC had denied bail citing risk of evidence tampering. CBI FIR in Kochi court on complaint by MLA.
The Supreme Court on August 2 granted bail to M. Sivasankar, former principal secretary to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on medical grounds in a case of alleged violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.
A Bench of justices A.S. Bopanna and M.M. Sundresh granted relief to Mr. Sivasankar for two months to undergo treatment.
“In a matter of present nature where post-operative treatment will also be required, the applicant may be released on bail for medical treatment for a period of two months,” the Bench said.
The top court directed that Mr. Sivasankar would not influence any witness during this period.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and ED, opposed the bail and submitted that he is close to a very high constitutional functionary.
The Kerala High Court on April 13 had denied bail to Mr. Sivasankar, noting that he may tamper with evidence as he had influence with the ruling party and the CM.
Mr. Sivasankar was arrested on February 14 in connection with the alleged violation of FCRA in Life Mission, a flagship housing project of the Left Government.