Previously, a bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SC Sharma, while hearing the ED’s petition for transferring the trial to Karnataka, had questioned the central government’s authority to search diplomatic packages.
![[Kerala Gold Smuggling Case] "Don't Think You Are Interested Really....": SC Questions ED In Its Plea To Transfer Trial](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/kerala-gold-smuggling-case_-ED-moves-SC-seeking-transfer-of-trial-in-Kerala-gold-smuggling-case-The-Economic-Times.png?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday(20th Nov) raised concerns over the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) interest in its plea to transfer the trial of the Kerala Gold Smuggling case to Karnataka, as it adjourned the matter for six weeks.
A bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti, responding to a request for accommodation by the ED, remarked, “Don’t think you are interested really…either Mr. Raju is not available, or some other difficulty is coming…”
The court was informed that Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju was unavailable, marking a repeated request for adjournment from the ED.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the State of Kerala, voiced concerns over the frequent delays sought by the agency.
Previously, a bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SC Sharma, while hearing the ED’s petition for transferring the trial to Karnataka, had questioned the central government’s authority to search diplomatic packages.
ASG Raju had sought additional time to address the court’s query.
Case Background
The case follows after the seizure of 30 kg of gold, valued at Rs 14.82 crore, disguised as diplomatic consignment, at the UAE consulate in Thiruvananthapuram on July 5, 2019.
On June 8, 2022, following a complaint by MLA and former minister KT Jaleel, the Thiruvananthapuram Cantonment Police registered a case against Swapna Suresh, the prime accused, under Sections 153 (provocation with intent to cause riot) and 120B (criminal conspiracy). The Kerala Gold Smuggling case highlights the misuse of diplomatic channels for illegal activities.
Case Title: Directorate of Enforcement v. Sarith PS and Others
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