Today, On 7th August, The Supreme Court postponed the hearing to August 28 for petitions seeking a reconsideration of the 2022 Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) verdict. This decision comes as various pleas challenge aspects of the earlier ruling.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court scheduled to hear petitions today that seek a review of the 2022 judgment which upheld the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) related to arrest, search, seizure, and bail.
The Supreme Court, On Wednesday, deferred to August 28 the hearing on whether its 2022 verdict, which upheld the Enforcement Directorate’s powers to arrest and attach property under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), requires reconsideration.
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A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Surya Kant, CT Ravikumar, and Ujjal Bhuyan heard the petitions seeking a review of the 2022 judgment on the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), informed the three-judge bench headed by Justice Surya Kant that the review had been unexpectedly listed, and additional time was needed to prepare.
Mehta stated,
“This has come up suddenly. We need some time to prepare. We came to know that matter has been listed for hearing late last night. Please have this at a later date.”
The bench, also comprising Justices CT Ravikumar and Ujjal Bhuyan, agreed to the request.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, argued,
“The 2022 judgment was flawed and warranted reconsideration. “
The court acknowledged the request and rescheduled the hearing for August 28.
The hearing addresses multiple pleas seeking a reassessment of the July 27, 2022, verdict, which had affirmed the ED’s authority to arrest, attach property, and conduct searches and seizures under the PMLA.
By deferring the hearing to August 28, the Supreme Court aims to provide all parties adequate time to prepare and present their arguments comprehensively. This delay also reflects the court’s recognition of the complexity and importance of the matters being reviewed.
The upcoming hearing will be closely watched, as it addresses critical questions about the scope and limits of the ED’s powers under the PMLA and the protection of civil liberties in the context of anti-money laundering enforcement.