New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS) The Delhi High Court on Monday granted interim bail for four weeks on medical grounds to hotel owner Lovkesh Bajaj, an accused in the Malviya Nagar hotel fire tragedy that claimed 21 lives.
A single-judge Bench of Justice Sachin Datta allowed Bajaj’s interim bail plea, observing that he had undergone major abdominal surgery recently and there was a risk of complications requiring careful medical management.
In its order, the High Court recorded that Bajaj had been discharged from the hospital only on September 15, and said that “having regard to the nature of the surgery undergone by the applicant and the short period that has elapsed since his discharge from the hospital”, he deserved interim bail to recuperate and recover adequately.
Justice Datta clarified that the order was passed solely for deciding the interim bail application on medical grounds and would neither influence the trial proceedings nor be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case.
Bajaj has been granted interim bail for four weeks from the date of his release upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 25,000, along with one surety of a like amount, to the satisfaction of the concerned trial court.
The Delhi High Court directed that Bajaj remain within the territorial limits of the national capital and not leave the city without prior permission. He was also directed to furnish his residential address and mobile number to the jail authorities and investigating officer, with location services enabled on his phone. It further prohibited him from contacting the complainant, family members of the deceased or any witnesses, and directed that the interim bail be utilised only for medical treatment and recuperation.
He must surrender before the concerned Jail Superintendent upon expiry of the interim bail period.
According to the medical status report submitted by the Central Jail authorities, Bajaj had undergone exploratory laparotomy with peritoneal lavage, resection of a strictured ileal segment and anastomosis, along with pelvic drain placement, on August 31 following a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction and diabetes mellitus.
The report stated that he developed a surgical site infection following the procedure, and his lower midline abdominal wound was left open on the seventh postoperative day. It further recorded that the wound was being regularly dressed and that there was a risk of pressure on the surgical site and wound dehiscence.
Flagging fluctuating blood sugar levels, the report stated that Bajaj was receiving antibiotics, oral hypoglycaemic treatment and supportive medication at the jail dispensary.
The Delhi High Court had, in an earlier order passed last week, sought a fresh medical report after Bajaj’s counsel apprehended that his fresh and open wound might not be appropriately cared for in jail. It had initially taken note of a report from RML Hospital stating that Bajaj had been discharged on September 15 and required only simple dressing that could be managed at the jail hospital.
However, it subsequently directed that a fresh report be furnished regarding the condition of the wound, including whether there was any pus or pus discharge.
Bajaj is facing prosecution in connection with FIR No. 197/2026 registered at Malviya Nagar Police Station under Sections 105, 326(g), 324(5), 125(a), 125(b) and 287 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The Delhi Police had earlier filed a charge sheet before the Saket Court against three accused, including Bajaj, following an inquiry into allegations of serious safety violations, regulatory lapses and negligence by the hotel management.
The fire had engulfed the Flourish Stay hotel in the congested Hauz Rani area of Malviya Nagar in the early hours, trapping guests inside the multi-storey building. The blaze affected the basement, ground floor and five upper floors, with heat and smoke causing extensive damage.
According to police, the property was registered under the Bed and Breakfast (B&B) scheme, which permitted operation of only six rooms, but was being run with around 25 rooms. Several rooms were also allegedly being operated in the basement.
–IANS
pds/uk
