The Supreme Court will examine whether acquittal in a predicate criminal case automatically ends money-laundering proceedings by the Enforcement Directorate. The court questioned earlier rulings and warned that such a view could defeat the very purpose of the PMLA.
West Bengal has told the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate’s own records show the I-PAC searches were conducted peacefully without police interference. The State also argued that ED’s Article 32 plea is not maintainable as a government agency cannot claim violation of fundamental rights.
The Supreme Court granted interim bail to former Chhattisgarh minister Kawasi Lakhma, citing long custody, lack of money trail, and a trial involving over 1,100 witnesses. The Court imposed strict conditions, including a ban on entering Chhattisgarh except for court hearings and restrictions on public statements.
A Delhi court has acquitted former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in two cases filed by the Enforcement Directorate over alleged non-compliance with summons in the excise policy matter. The court ruled that Kejriwal cannot be prosecuted merely for skipping ED summons, with the detailed order awaited.
The Karnataka High Court has stayed the Enforcement Directorate’s FEMA proceedings against Malavika Hegde, CEO of Coffee Day Enterprises, citing serious legal issues including delay and liability. The Court has paused the ED’s 2022 complaint, show cause notice, and hearing notices till further hearing on January 23.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking before CJI Surya Kant at the Calcutta High Court’s Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench inauguration, urged the judiciary to protect the Constitution and democracy. Her remarks came amid the ED raids controversy involving I-PAC, with Banerjee alleging deliberate targeting by central agencies.