Today, Supreme Court extended the interim bail awarded to M Sivasankar, the former Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Kerala, in connection with the LIFE Mission corruption case, granting an additional two months of relief.

Earlier, Sivasankar was initially granted a two-month interim bail on medical grounds starting from August 2nd. He had approached the Supreme Court seeking bail in a money laundering case related to the LIFE Mission corruption case, citing health issues as the basis for his request. It's worth noting that the LIFE (Livelihood, Inclusion, and Financial Empowerment) Mission project is an initiative by the Kerala Government aimed at providing housing solutions for the homeless population.

In today's proceedings, a bench comprising Justice A S Bopanna and Justice M M Sundresh extended the interim bail until December 5th. This decision was made in light of the accused's medical condition and the necessity for ongoing medical treatment.

"One surgery is complete and he is in rehabilitation. After that in 2nd week of October he requires another spinal surgery", Senior Advocate Jayanth Muthuraj(briefed by Advocate-on-Record Manu Srinath), for Sivasankar, informed the Court.

Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj opposed the application for extension of interim bail stating that there was no sufficient material for seeking extension. "Application after application is being filed, based on private certificates." he submitted in court.

"Section 45 (of PMLA) has become counter productive. Everyone will fall sick now." Justice Bopanna said in lighter vein.

"Tell the accused to take care of his health better", Justice Sundresh added.

"In the matter of the present nature where some post operative treatment is also required, we are of the view that the applicant be released on bail to avail medical treatment for 2 months. The applicant shall not go to any other place, except the vicinity of his hospital and his home", the Court had said in its 2nd August order.

Case Title: M. Sivasankar v. UoI And Anr 

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