Today, On 31st July, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee challenged the Enforcement Directorate’s summons in a money laundering case before the Supreme Court. His counsel argued that there is no prescribed procedure for such summons under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
New Delhi: Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament, Abhishek Banerjee, presented his case before the Supreme Court on Wednesday, challenging the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering investigation.
The case linked to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal.
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Representing Banerjee, senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) does not provide a clear and standardized procedure for summoning accused individuals. This lack of clarity, Sibal contended, raises significant concerns about the adherence to legal and procedural standards.
The hearing being conducted by a bench comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma. After a session of detailed arguments, the court decided to extend the hearing to the following day.
The legal battle stems from Banerjee’s challenge to a decision by the Delhi High Court, which previously refused to quash the ED’s summons. Banerjee’s defence team is contesting this decision, arguing that the summons lack a proper legal basis under the current framework of the PMLA.
The outcome of this case could have important implications for the enforcement of money laundering laws in India.
The summons are in connection with an ongoing investigation. Banerjee, who a prominent leader within the TMC and the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has been under scrutiny by the ED in recent months.
Banerjee’s appeal highlights the tension between state and central authorities in India and the role of the judiciary in resolving such high-profile disputes.
The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications not only for Banerjee but also for the political dynamics in West Bengal, where the TMC a dominant force.