The Allahabad High Court has modified the bail conditions for a Chinese national accused of goods and services tax evasion, clearing the way for her release after she spent nearly five months in jail because her embassy declined to provide a court-mandated guarantee certificate.
Justice Samit Gopal issued the order on July 14 in response to a modification application filed by the accused, Alice Lee, also known as Li Tengli. Although the court had originally granted her bail on February 9, she remained in custody due to her inability to satisfy one of the stipulations laid out in the initial decision.
Embassy Refusal Caused Five Month Detention
The initial bail order required Lee to present an official certificate from the Chinese Embassy assuring the trial court of her attendance throughout the legal proceedings.
Upon being approached by Lee, consular authorities rejected the request, explaining that issuing guarantee certificates fell outside the scope of their official duties and consular powers. Because she could not produce the document, Lee was unable to fulfill the release requirements and remained detained despite having secured bail.
Revised Rules And Visa Status
During the modification hearing, counsel representing the Union government informed the court that the Foreigners Regional Registration Office in Delhi had issued Lee an X-Misc. visa valid until October 28, 2026. Official records indicate the visa is endorsed with a strict restriction prohibiting her departure from the country without an exit permit. This category of visa is specifically designated for foreign citizens involved in criminal matters who require bail to remain present for trial in India.
Taking note of the immigration restrictions already in place, the High Court withdrew the requirement for the embassy guarantee. Under the revised terms, Lee must now submit a personal undertaking to the trial court promising to attend every hearing without fail and to cooperate fully toward the early completion of the trial.
