A total 1,739 money laundering cases are currently at the trial stage, according to the ED Director. He said the delay in prosecuting these cases is mainly due to the overall slow pace of the country’s justice system.
Between 2019 and October 2024, the Enforcement Directorate filed 911 chargesheets under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, achieving only 42 convictions, indicating a low conviction rate of approximately 4.6%. With 28% of cases still pending trial, concerns of political bias and misuse of the Act have been raised.
![[Delhi Excise Policy Case] 'Relax bail Conditions': SC to Hear Manish Sisodia's Plea on Dec 11](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-3-6.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Today, On 9th December, the Supreme Court will hear Manish Sisodia’s plea to modify his bail conditions, imposed in excise policy corruption cases. Sisodia seeks to ease restrictions on movement and communication. Previously, the court emphasized his right to a speedy trial after 17 months of incarceration without a case proceeding.
Today, On 26th September, the Supreme Court ruled that the Enforcement Directorate cannot use Section 45 of the PMLA to detain individuals without trial. While granting bail to former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, the court emphasized the right to a speedy trial under Article 21, highlighting concerns over prolonged incarceration.
The Supreme Court of India acknowledged that judges can make mistakes and emphasized the importance of correcting errors in past orders, even after a case is closed. This recognition arose while revisiting a previous decision involving Indiabulls Housing Finance, where the court had granted protection and stayed debt recovery and money laundering proceedings against the company and its officials.
Today, On 7th August, The Supreme Court urged the Enforcement Directorate to improve the quality of its prosecutions due to low conviction rates in money laundering cases. It emphasized the need for stronger legal strategies and scientific investigations. This comes after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs reported only 40 convictions out of 5,297 cases filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The Supreme Court of India reaffirmed the rights of individuals arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), emphasizing the need for the Enforcement Directorate to adhere to constitutional norms. The court upheld the requirement for written grounds of arrest to be provided, underscoring the importance of transparency and adherence to legal procedures.