Mumbai, Maharashtra – June 29, 2020 – A Special CBI Court in Greater Mumbai today rejected the interim bail application of Arjun Eknath Patil, accused no. 10 in an economic offense case being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Patil had sought temporary release citing the surge of COVID-19 cases in jail and his wife’s need for urgent hernia surgery.

Special Judge Shri V.C. Barde (Court Room No. 50) heard the arguments in Bail Application No. 655 of 2020, which pertains to CBI Special Case No. 37 of 2018 (CR.No. RC.01(E)/2018).

Arjun Eknath Patil, 45, currently lodged at Arthur Road Central Prison, moved the court on two primary grounds: concerns over the escalating COVID-19 situation within the prison system and the critical medical condition of his wife, Mrs. Sujata Arjun Patil (37), who is suffering from an umbilical hernia and has been advised surgery. His advocate, Mr. Ashish Sawant, argued that the surgery had been prolonged for several months due to the absence of a caretaker for their two children, and also pleaded his client’s innocence.

The CBI, represented by Ld. Sr.PP Mr. Limosin, strongly opposed the bail. The prosecution submitted that Patil played an “important role in concealment of documents with intent to destroy them,” indicating the serious nature of his alleged involvement in the economic offense. They also pointed out that an earlier bail application by Patil had been rejected by a predecessor judge and argued that his case did not fall into the category of matters warranting urgent interim bail.

Upon reviewing the submissions and case records, Judge Barde addressed both grounds for bail:

1. COVID-19 Concerns: The court noted that Patil’s case did not fall within the categories typically considered for releasing accused persons on COVID-19 grounds, particularly as he is charged with an economic offense. Furthermore, a report (Exhibit-4) submitted by the CBI indicated that Patil was asymptomatic for COVID-19, and no further investigation related to his health status was required.
2. Wife’s Medical Condition: Patil had submitted a Sonography Report dated April 23, 2019, showing an umbilical hernia, and an OPD consultation dated May 15, 2020, mentioning surgery. However, the court found “no urgency” reflected in these reports and highlighted the absence of a “certification of an expert that it is so imminent.” The judge concluded that this did not constitute a sufficient ground for granting interim bail.

“No case is made out for releasing the accused on interim bail,” the court stated in its order, subsequently rejecting Bail Application No. 655 of 2020. Patil will remain in judicial custody.