Delhi HC grants bail to Malviya Nagar hotel owner on medical grounds

The Delhi High Court on Monday granted four weeks' interim bail to Lovkesh Bajaj, owner of the Malviya Nagar hotel where a fire killed 23 people in June. Justice Sachin Datta noted that Bajaj had undergone a major abdominal surgery on August 31 and was discharged on September 15, with a risk of complications requiring careful management. The court ordered Bajaj to furnish a personal bond of Rs 25,000 and a surety of the same amount, and to remain in Delhi.

Bajaj was arrested after the fire at Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani on June 3, which killed 23 people, including 13 foreigners, and injured 24. He has been chargesheeted for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, mischief by fire, and negligent conduct. Police allege his hotel licence application was rejected because the property had only one entry and exit point and lacked a fire exit, and he operated it as a B&B instead of reapplying. A trial court had rejected his earlier bail plea on September 3, saying he was receiving adequate medical care in custody.