Yesterday, Enforcement Directorate submitted before the Hon'ble Supreme Court that M. Sivashankar does not have any serious health conditions, warranting the grant of bail on medical grounds.

A bench of Justices V Ramasubramanian and Pankaj Mittal was hearing a petition moved by Sivashankar, seeking bail in a money laundering case in connection with the LIFE (Livelihood, Inclusion and Financial Empowerment) Mission corruption case.

LIFE project is a housing project initiated by the Kerala Government for the homeless.

During the hearing, ED submitted that the petitioner had refused to undergo surgery on multiple occasions after re-joining work post his suspension and it had been more than a year since he did not undertake any treatment. 

On the other hand, Senior Advocate Jaideep Gupta, appearing for Sivasankar, sought permission from the court to move the special court in terms of interim bail on emergency health issues as the Supreme Court would close by the end of this week, as part of the summer break.

"If Your Lordships permit, I may be allowed to go to the Special Court on this aspect as the Supreme Court is closing".

The Court agreed to this request and said that he could approach the special court for seeking interim bail in case of any kind of medical emergency.

"Since the Respondent did not have sufficient time to file counter, therefore the matter has to necessarily be adjourned to July. The petitioner has moved the Court seeking bail on medical grounds. According to the standing counsel for the Respondent, this aspect has been considered by both the courts below. However, we are of the view that in case of any emergency, it will be open to the petitioner to approach the special court on this aspect in the interim....."