Courts Reject Luxury Hospital Plea in Money Laundering Case

A special court in Mumbai has denied an 80-year-old businessman's request to extend his hospital stay. Manoharlal Agicha, arrested for money laundering, sought further hospitalisation citing medical treatment needs, but the court ruled his condition did not warrant it, directing his return to jail.

A special court in Mumbai has denied an 80-year-old businessman's request to extend his hospitalisation. Manoharlal Agicha, the chairman of Associate High Pressure Technologies Pvt Ltd, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in November 2023 for allegedly causing a loss of Rs 149.89 crore to a bank.

Agicha, who has been in judicial custody, was admitted to a Bandra hospital in March 2024 for a 15-day treatment period, which was extended multiple times. Recently, he sought further extension, claiming the need for additional treatment.

However, special PMLA judge A C Daga rejected his plea, stating that the hospital had not decided on any surgery, indicating no urgency. The judge emphasized that necessary medical care could be provided in jail, further remarking that luxury under the guise of hospitalisation could not be permitted.

(With inputs from agencies.)