The Supreme Court Today (Sept 18) deferred to October 3 the hearing on a question whether its 2022 verdict upholding the Enforcement Directorate’s powers to arrest and attach property under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act required any reconsideration.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court postponed its hearing to October 3 regarding whether the 2022 verdict that upheld the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) powers under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) needs to be revisited. This verdict had affirmed key provisions of the PMLA related to the ED’s authority to arrest individuals and attach properties linked to money laundering cases.
The matter is being examined by a Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant, C.T. Ravikumar, and Ujjal Bhuyan. The Bench is tasked with reviewing the 2022 judgment in Vijay Madanlal Choudhary v. Union of India, which validated several provisions of the PMLA concerning “arrest, search, seizure, and bail.”
During the session, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, representing the Enforcement Directorate, requested an adjournment. He brought up the matter before bench and sought a delay in the hearing.
SG Tushar Mehta:
“Milords, I am requesting an adjournment.”
However, this request faced opposition from Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who is representing the petitioners in the case.
Sr. Adv. Kapil Sibal:
“I strongly object to that.”
The Bench acknowledged the awkwardness created by continuous delays in hearing important cases.
Bench:
“It becomes embarrassing when matters continue to go unheard.”
Sibal pointed out that if the case is further delayed, it might stretch into November, considering the other cases on the court’s docket.
Sibal:
“If it’s scheduled for October, it will likely extend into November when other matters are also taking place.”
In response to this, SG Mehta took a more optimistic stance.
SG:
“There’s no need to be so pessimistic.”
Sibal remained firm in his stance, emphasizing the realities of court schedules.
Sibal:
“I understand how things happen in court.”
To this, Mehta responded light-heartedly.
SG:
“We always agree with you.”
Sibal replied with a wry remark.
Sibal:
“Only outside the courtroom.”
Despite the back-and-forth, the Supreme Court agreed to the adjournment and officially scheduled the next hearing for October 3.
The Supreme Court is currently handling a series of petitions that are seeking a “reconsideration of the July 27, 2022 verdict.”
This earlier decision by a three-judge bench had upheld the ED’s powers regarding the “arrest and attachment of property involved in money laundering,” as well as “search and seizure” under the PMLA.
The next hearing on the matter is now listed for October 3.
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