The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed skepticism regarding the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) genuine interest in transferring the Kerala Gold Smuggling case to Karnataka. During the proceedings, the court adjourned the matter for six weeks, citing repeated adjournments and unavailability of the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, representing the ED.
Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti were notably critical of the ED’s handling of the request, with comments pointing to a possible lack of commitment. “Don’t think you are interested really…either Mr. Raju is not available, or some other difficulty is coming…,” remarked the bench in response to another plea for accommodation by the ED.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the State of Kerala, argued that the frequent delays sought by the ED were undermining the judicial process. This concern comes in light of previous sessions where the same bench had questioned the central government’s authority to search diplomatic packages, a key element in the smuggling case.
The controversy centers around a 2019 incident where 30 kg of gold, worth approximately Rs 14.82 crore, was seized from a diplomatic consignment at the UAE consulate in Thiruvananthapuram. The case gained additional prominence when Swapna Suresh, the prime accused, was implicated in misusing diplomatic channels for illegal gold trafficking.
On June 8, 2022, following allegations by MLA and former minister KT Jaleel, Thiruvananthapuram Cantonment Police initiated legal action against Suresh under charges of provocation with intent to cause riot and criminal conspiracy.
