Today, On 29th November, The Supreme Court allowed ED officer Ankit Tiwari, accused in a bribery case by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), to reside with his family in Madhya Pradesh or any other location of his choice. The Court permitted Tiwari to attend criminal trial proceedings in Tamil Nadu via video conferencing. This decision provides relief to Tiwari by easing his travel requirements. The case highlights the balance between legal obligations and personal circumstances.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court permitted Ankit Tiwari, an Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer facing bribery allegations, to attend his trial virtually from Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan ruled that Tiwari could remain with his family in Madhya Pradesh or elsewhere while participating in the criminal proceedings via video conference.
The Court also extended Tiwari’s interim bail. He was arrested last year by Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs.20 lakhs but is currently out on interim bail. The Supreme Court previously stayed the DVAC’s investigation into the matter.
During today’s session, Tiwari’s counsel, Advocate Shivam Singh, noted that the investigation against him was complete, and he posed no risk of influencing the trial. The Court agreed to extend his interim bail.
Last month, the Supreme Court had allowed Tiwari to travel to Madhya Pradesh from Tamil Nadu to see his family, a provision that was effectively renewed today.
The Court also addressed a related plea from the ED, which opposed what it described as the Tamil Nadu government’s lack of cooperation in providing FIRs related to money laundering investigations in the state. The ED requested that the inquiry into the bribery allegations against Tiwari be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
During the hearing, the Court remarked that it may not be appropriate to suggest that state investigation agencies are restricted from investigating individuals simply because they are affiliated with a central agency.
Justice Kant stated,
“In a federal system, declaring that State Police can either always or never have the authority to investigate central agency officers is risky and undesirable.”
Read Also: Ankit Tiwari bribery Case | Supreme Court Adjourns Hearing on ED’s Plea for CBI Probe
Senior Advocate Amit Anand Tiwari, representing the Tamil Nadu government, emphasized the need for a comprehensive hearing, arguing that while an accused is entitled to a fair trial, they do not have the right to choose the investigative agency.
Earlier this year, the Court indicated that guidelines might be established to address concerns of bias from state investigation agencies or retaliatory actions by central agencies in such cases. In March, it suggested that a judicial body could oversee cases involving investigations by both state and central authorities.
Advocate Zoheb Hossain represented the ED during today’s proceedings.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
