Delhi High Court Grants Interim Bail to Hotel Owner in Malviya Nagar Fire Case

New Delhi, September 21 (Daily Kiran) : The Delhi High Court has granted interim bail to Lovkesh Bajaj, the hotel owner accused in the Malviya Nagar fire incident, on medical grounds. This decision was made on Monday, September 21, 2026, by a single-judge bench led by Justice Sachin Datta. Bajaj, who recently underwent major abdominal surgery, was deemed to require careful medical supervision due to potential complications.The court noted that he was discharged from the hospital on September 15, and considering the nature of his surgery and the short time since his release, the court found it appropriate to allow him interim bail for recovery. Justice Datta clarified that this order pertains solely to the medical basis for granting bail and does not affect the ongoing trial proceedings or imply any judgment on the merits of the case. Bajaj has been granted bail for four weeks from the date of release, contingent upon providing a personal bond of ₹25,000 and an equal amount as surety to the trial court.The court has mandated that Bajaj remain within the limits of the national capital and not leave the city without prior permission. He must also inform jail officials and the investigating officer of his residential address and mobile number, and keep location services enabled on his phone. Furthermore, he is prohibited from contacting the complainant, the victim's family members, or any witnesses, and is instructed to use the interim bail solely for medical treatment and recovery.Upon the expiration of the interim bail period, Bajaj is required to surrender to the relevant jail superintendent. Medical reports presented by prison authorities indicated that Bajaj underwent exploratory laparotomy on August 31 due to bowel obstruction and diabetes. The procedure involved several interventions, including pelvic drain placement. Following surgery, he developed an infection at the surgical site, leading to complications that necessitated regular dressing changes.The report highlighted fluctuations in his blood sugar levels, noting that he was receiving antibiotics, oral hypoglycemic medications, and supportive care in the prison infirmary. The court had requested a new medical report last week after Bajaj's lawyer expressed concerns about the adequacy of care for his fresh wounds in jail. Initially, a report from RML Hospital indicated that he could be discharged with simple dressing, which could be managed at the jail hospital.