Notice Issued to Dheeraj Wadhawan Seeking Response on Bail Challenge by CBI
The Supreme Court of India on Friday agreed to hear a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), challenging the Delhi High Court’s order granting bail to former DHFL promoter Dheeraj Wadhawan. Wadhawan was previously granted bail by the Delhi High Court on medical grounds in the multi-crore bank loan scam case.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar issued a notice to Dheeraj Wadhawan, seeking his response to the CBI's challenge against his bail. The matter is scheduled to be heard in the week commencing April 28, 2025.
Delhi High Court’s Bail Order Under Scrutiny
On September 9, 2024, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Wadhawan on medical grounds, classifying him as fitting the parameters of a "sick person." The decision has now been contested by the CBI in the apex court.
During the proceedings before the Supreme Court, Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, representing the CBI, argued strongly against Wadhawan's bail. Raju contended that Wadhawan was not suffering from any severe medical ailments and claimed he was misusing medical facilities, often spending his time out of jail in hospitals. He further described Wadhawan as a man with substantial financial resources ("money bags"), emphasizing the gravity of the case where large sums were allegedly misappropriated.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Wadhawan, opposed the CBI's assertions and cited medical reports supporting his client's health conditions.
Background of the Multi-crore Bank Loan Scam Case
Dheeraj Wadhawan and his brother Kapil Wadhawan, both former promoters of Dewan Housing Finance Ltd (DHFL), were arrested in July 2022 in connection with this case. Subsequently, the CBI filed a chargesheet in October 2022, and a competent court took cognizance of the charges.
The investigation began after the Union Bank of India lodged a complaint alleging that DHFL’s former chairman-cum-managing director Kapil Wadhawan, former director Dheeraj Wadhawan, along with others, conspired to defraud a consortium of 17 banks. The consortium, led by Union Bank of India, allegedly sanctioned loans amounting to approximately Rs 42,871.42 crore, substantial portions of which were allegedly siphoned off through falsified accounting entries and dishonest defaults on repayments.
The Supreme Court's forthcoming hearing will be pivotal in determining whether Dheeraj Wadhawan remains out on bail or faces custody again, pending the outcome of this high-profile financial fraud case.
