The Delhi High Court on Monday reserved its decision on an interim bail plea filed by Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the jailed chairman of the Al Falah University group, who has offered to wear a GPS tracking device if released to support his terminally ill wife.
Justice Saurabh Banerjee reserved the order after hearing arguments from both Siddiqui’s defense and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Siddiqui is seeking six weeks of temporary release, appealing a June 9 trial court decision that denied his request for interim bail.
Siddiqui’s senior counsel, Vikram Chaudhary, argued that the defendant needs to be with his wife, who has stage 4 ovarian cancer, noting that her next chemotherapy session is scheduled for July 15. To address flight concerns, Siddiqui’s legal team stated he is willing to submit to GPS monitoring as a condition of his release.
The ED’s counsel, senior advocate Zoheb Hossain, opposed the bail application, citing risks of flight and potential tampering with evidence. Hossain suggested that Siddiqui instead be granted custody parole to visit his wife under escort. The prosecution also disputed the severity of the medical emergency, pointing out that none of the couple’s children residing abroad have returned to India to assist with her care.
Furthermore, the ED characterized Siddiqui as a habitual offender and alleged his involvement in the November 2025 Red Fort bomb blast. Siddiqui’s counsel strongly rejected this claim, asserting that the university chairman is not named as an accused in either the FIR or the chargesheet related to the blast.
Details Of Money Laundering Allegations
Siddiqui is currently in custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for two separate financial fraud cases.
He was first arrested on November 18, 2025, in connection with an alleged Rs 415.10 crore fraud spanning from 2018 to 2025. The ED’s investigation, which originated from Delhi Police Crime Branch cases, alleges that Al Falah University misled students and parents by falsely claiming accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC). The agency claims that the educational funds collected through student fees were diverted for Siddiqui’s personal use.
Siddiqui was subsequently arrested in a second money laundering case involving the suspected fraudulent acquisition of land in Delhi valued at Rs 45 crore.
Educational Institution Linked To Terror Probe
The Faridabad-based Al Falah University has also been a focal point in a “white-collar terror” investigation.
Two doctors associated with the university were previously arrested during the probe. Additionally, another medical professional affiliated with the university’s hospital, Umar-un-Nabi, was identified as the suicide bomber responsible for the November 10, 2025, explosion outside the Red Fort, an attack that resulted in 15 deaths.
