The Delhi High Court on Friday allowed Al Falah University group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, who is facing two money laundering cases, seven days of custody parole to attend to his wife, who is undergoing treatment for Stage-4 ovarian cancer.
Justice Mini Pushkarna granted the relief after considering Siddiqui’s request for interim bail or custody parole on medical and humanitarian grounds. His wife is scheduled to undergo her next chemotherapy session on November 10.
The order permits Siddiqui temporary release under police escort while he remains in custody in connection with the money laundering proceedings.
ED Opposes Release, Seeks Strict Restrictions
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) strongly opposed Siddiqui’s request for interim release, citing the seriousness of the allegations against him.
Representing the agency, senior counsel argued that Siddiqui posed a flight risk and had criminal antecedents. The ED also referred to his alleged involvement in the November 2025 Red Fort car blast case.
The agency submitted that any custody parole should carry stringent restrictions, including requiring Siddiqui to remain at his residence except when making medical visits.
It also sought conditions preventing him from contacting witnesses or visiting Al Falah University in Faridabad, Haryana.
Custody parole allows a prisoner to leave prison for a specified purpose under armed police escort.
The High Court had previously declined Siddiqui’s interim bail application in July but permitted him to meet his wife on three specified dates under custody parole.
Two Money Laundering Cases Against Siddiqui
Siddiqui is facing separate money laundering investigations concerning alleged financial irregularities involving Al Falah University and the acquisition of land in Delhi.
In the first case, the ED arrested him on November 18, 2025, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The investigation originated from two FIRs registered by the Delhi Police Crime Branch alleging that the university misrepresented its accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and recognition by the University Grants Commission (UGC), thereby misleading students and their parents.
According to the ED, the institution generated ₹415.10 crore between 2018 and 2025, with funds collected through student fees allegedly diverted for personal use.
Siddiqui was subsequently arrested again by the ED in another money laundering case concerning the alleged fraudulent acquisition of land valued at ₹45 crore in Delhi.
University’s Link to Red Fort Blast Investigation
Al Falah University also came under scrutiny during an investigation into an alleged white-collar terror network connected to the November 10, 2025, explosion outside Delhi’s Red Fort.
The blast killed 15 people.
Investigators arrested two doctors associated with the university, while another doctor linked to the institution, Umar-un-Nabi, was identified as the suicide bomber responsible for the explosion.
