HC extends owner’s interim bail on medical grounds

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has extended interim bail by six weeks to the owner of a Malviya Nagar hotel where a fire claimed 23 lives in June.

Justice Sachin Datta, who had earlier granted four weeks of interim bail, extended the relief to Lovkesh Bajaj on medical grounds, considering his medical reports and the post-operation complications.

Bajaj (59) underwent major abdominal surgery on August 31 and was discharged from the hospital only on September 15 and re-admitted in October.

“In the circumstances, having regard to the post-operation complications and the medical reports, the interim bail granted to the applicant/ petitioner, vide order dated September 21, 2026..., is extended by a period of six weeks from the date of its expiry,” the court said in an order passed on Thursday.

The court directed the investigating officer to verify the medical documents filed by the accused. It also made it clear that if any document is found to be not genuine, or his condition is misrepresented, the State can file an application seeking cancellation of the interim bail.

The court directed Bajaj to surrender before the jail superintendent when the extended period of interim bail expires.

Bajaj sought extension of interim bail on the ground that he was suffering from post-operation complications. The plea was opposed by the prosecutor on the ground of gravity of the offence.

Bajaj has been named as an accused in the fire incident at the five-storey ‘Flourish Stay’ B&B in Hauz Rani on June 3, in which 23 people were killed, while 24 others suffered grievous injuries.

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