In a significant turn of events, the Supreme Court of India has deferred the hearing concerning the reconsideration of its 2022 judgment on the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) powers under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to October 3. The original verdict, which was upheld by a three-judge bench on July 27, 2022, supports the ED’s authority in matters of arrest, attachment of property, and the conduct of searches and seizures linked to money laundering activities.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, requested an adjournment from the bench led by Justice Surya Kant. This move was met with resistance from Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared on behalf of the petitioners challenging the 2022 decision.
The bench, after hearing the initial arguments, agreed to the adjournment and scheduled the next hearing for early October. The upcoming session is expected to scrutinize the 2022 ruling’s parameters and implications more closely, addressing the concerns raised by the petitioners regarding the broad powers granted to the ED under the PMLA.
