LIFE Mission money laundering case: Supreme grants bail to M. Sivasankar for two months on medical grounds

Today, 02 August 2023, the Supreme Court bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh, and Justice A.S. Bopanna granted bail to M. Sivasankar for two months on medical grounds in connection with the LIFE Mission money laundering case. He was the former principal secretary to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. M. Sivasankar was in jail for over 5 months in a case of alleged violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. The bench ordered, “In a matter of the 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 appellant is not to misuse liberty or influence any witnesses.” The bench also ordered not to visit any other place other than the hospital where he will undergo surgery for a spine ailment and his home. Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, appearing for the ED (Enforcement Director) was against his release on bail stating, “There is a bad tendency these days of interim medical bail becoming permanent”. However, the top Court granted interim bail to Mr. M. Sivasankar given the fact that he has to undergo surgery and the long period of incarceration undergone by him. 

On February 14, M. Sivasakar was arrested in relation to the violation of the FCR Act in the LIFE (Livelihood, Inclusion and Financial Empowerment) Mission, a scheme to provide houses to all homeless and landless residents of the state. It was observed via Enforcement Case Information Report that Sivasankar and several other persons among government officials received illegal gratification and pecuniary advantages out of the funds. On the basis of these offences, two FIRs were registered by the VACB (Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau) and the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) under the Prevention of Corruption Act and FCRA respectively. The funds were given by the UAE Red Crescent especially created for flood victims in Kerala. A housing complex was to be constructed at Wadakkancherry and the contract for the same was given to Sane Ventures and Unitac Builders. On April 13, the Kerala High Court denied bail to Mr. Sivasankar noting that he may tamper with evidence. 

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