New Delhi, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Delhi High Court on Monday granted four weeks’ interim bail on medical grounds to hotel owner Lovkesh Bajaj, an accused in the Malviya Nagar hotel fire that claimed 21 lives.
A single-judge Bench of Justice Sachin Datta allowed Bajaj’s plea after taking note of his recent major abdominal surgery and the possibility of complications requiring continued medical care.
The court noted that Bajaj had been discharged from hospital only on September 15 and said the nature of the surgery and the short period since his discharge warranted interim bail to allow him to recover adequately.
The relief will take effect from the date of his release and is subject to a personal bond of Rs 25,000 and one surety of the same amount to the satisfaction of the trial court.
The High Court directed Bajaj to remain within the territorial limits of Delhi and prohibited him from leaving the national capital without prior permission. He has also been directed to provide his residential address and mobile number to the jail authorities and investigating officer, with location services enabled on his phone.
He has been barred from contacting the complainant, relatives of the deceased and witnesses. The court made it clear that the interim bail is to be used only for medical treatment and recuperation. Bajaj must surrender before the concerned Jail Superintendent when the four-week period expires.
The court clarified that its order was confined to consideration of interim bail on medical grounds and would neither affect the trial nor constitute an opinion on the merits of the case.
A medical status report submitted by the Central Jail authorities said Bajaj underwent exploratory laparotomy with peritoneal lavage, resection of a strictured ileal segment and anastomosis, besides pelvic drain placement, on August 31 after being diagnosed with intestinal obstruction and diabetes mellitus.
The report said he subsequently developed a surgical-site infection. His lower midline abdominal wound was left open on the seventh postoperative day and required regular dressing, with the report flagging a risk of pressure on the surgical site and wound dehiscence. It also recorded fluctuating blood sugar levels and said he was receiving antibiotics, oral hypoglycaemic medication and supportive treatment at the jail dispensary.
The High Court had sought a fresh medical report last week after Bajaj’s counsel raised concerns about the care of his fresh and open wound in custody. An earlier RML Hospital report had stated that he was discharged on September 15 and required only simple dressing that could be managed at the jail hospital. The court subsequently sought further details about the wound, including whether there was pus or any discharge.
Bajaj is facing prosecution in 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).
Delhi Police have previously filed a charge sheet before the Saket Court against three accused, including Bajaj, following an investigation into alleged safety violations, regulatory lapses and negligence by the hotel management.
The fire broke out at the Flourish Stay hotel in the congested Hauz Rani area of Malviya Nagar during the early hours, trapping guests inside the multi-storey building. The blaze affected the basement, ground floor and five upper floors, while intense heat and smoke caused extensive damage.
According to police, the property was registered under the Bed and Breakfast (B&B) scheme, under which it was permitted to operate six rooms, but was allegedly being run with around 25 rooms. Several rooms were also allegedly being operated in the basement.
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