Directorate Of Enforcement vs Bablu Sonkar

The Supreme Court quashed the interim bail granted to the first respondent by the Bombay High Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), emphasizing that the High Court acted beyond its jurisdiction by granting bail without a proper hearing and without the necessary roster in place. The Court held that the principles of propriety and judicial discipline must be adhered to, particularly in serious offences under PMLA, and that bail cannot be granted merely to 'strike a balance' without adequate reasoning. The Court concluded that the impugned order was improper and set it aside.