Yesterday, On 6th August, The Supreme Court has postponed the much-awaited review hearing on its 2022 verdict that upheld the ED’s powers under PMLA. Due to scheduling issues, the matter will now be Today, by a three-judge bench.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court heard a batch of petitions seeking review of its 2022 judgment that had upheld the wide-ranging powers of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The Supreme Court of India discussed the schedule for the hearing of the important case related to the review of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The matter heard by a three-judge Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh.
The matter could not proceed as planned because of ongoing arguments in another courtroom and personal difficulties of one of the law officers.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Bench led by Justice Surya Kant that the case being taken up was related to the PMLA.
He said,
“This is the PMLA review matter. Yesterday, arguments began in Court 4 regarding Section 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. I’m currently presenting preliminary objections, so we’ll need to begin afresh.”
He explained that since he was already engaged in another matter before a different bench, he was not ready to proceed immediately in the PMLA matter.
Also Read: Supreme Court Reconstitutes Bench to Review ED’s Powers Under PMLA
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, who is also appearing in the case, responded by updating the court about the progress in the other matter.
He said,
“The Court 4 matter should wrap up before lunch.”
This meant that it was possible for the PMLA hearing to resume later the same day.
After hearing both sides, Justice Surya Kant said,
“If that happens, Mr Mehta, you can begin at 2 PM.”
However, SG Mehta requested more time to prepare, asking the court,
“Is it possible to take it up tomorrow instead?”
At this point, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who is also involved in the PMLA case, raised a concern. He pointed out that if the matter was delayed beyond today, it would be pushed too far.
He said,
“If it’s not heard today, the matter will get pushed to September.”
Justice Surya Kant then asked SG Mehta to try and make arrangements so that the hearing could take place that afternoon itself. He told him,
“Mr Mehta, please see if you can begin at 2 PM today. If not we will definitely take it up tomorrow but no later than that.”
However, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, who is also representing the government in the case, mentioned a personal issue.
He said,
“I have a personal difficulty today.”
Taking into account all the submissions, Justice Surya Kant finally confirmed the next date of hearing, stating,
“We will list for tomorrow then.”
This PMLA review matter is being closely followed as it involves crucial issues about the law’s enforcement powers. The court is ensuring that all sides get a fair chance to argue, but also emphasizing that there should be no further delay.
Case Title: Karti P. Chidambaram v. The Directorate of Enforcement
Case Number: R.P. (Crl.) No. 219/2022