Supreme Court likens PMLA cases to misuse of s.498A IPC, questions ED's conduct
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday drew parallels between frivolous cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and false charges of cruelty under s.498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). A Bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih remarked that it might have to start quashing such money laundering cases if the Act continues to be misused.
The Court's remarks came during the hearing of a plea filed by retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja, challenging the Chhattisgarh High Court's refusal to quash charges against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act and PMLA in connection with the Chhattisgarh Liquor Policy scam. The High Court had earlier rejected Tuteja's plea in August, and the Supreme Court had issued notice on September 10.
Justice Oka criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for its handling of the case, particularly the issuance of summons. The Court expressed concern over the timing of the summons and the manner in which ED officers conducted the investigation, including interrogating the accused overnight. The Court questioned the urgency shown by the ED and demanded clarification on the procedure followed.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, representing the ED, was asked to file a better affidavit explaining the conduct of the agency's officers. The Court warned that it may record adverse observations if the agency's actions were found improper. The case is scheduled for final disposal on November 5.
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court had quashed a money laundering case against Tuteja related to the liquor policy scam, citing the absence of a predicate offence.
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Karnataka HM G Parameshwara blames EVM for Cong debacle in Maharashtra, backs ballot papers
BENGALURU: Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara on Monday alleged Electronic Voting Machine manipulations led to the defeat of Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance in just concluded assembly polls in Maharashtra.
While speaking to reporters here on Monday, he said the BJP does selective manipulations to convince people that there were no wrongdoings. He also wanted to go back to the paper ballots system.
The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra won a landslide victory in the assembly elections, shattering the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi's dream to wrest power. The BJP won the highest ever 132 seats for the party, while the Shiv Sena led by Shinde bagged 57 seats and NCP won 41 seats to take the Mahayuti total to 230 seats. Congress as part of MVA won just 16 seats.
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"We analysed the Maharashtra poll outcome deeply. We felt that in many places EVMs were manipulated," Parameshwara said. He also said an obvious question would be why not it happened in Jharkhand and elsewhere. The manipulations are done selectively so that no one can question it, he blamed.
According to him, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is a leading partner. Had the Congress been the leading partner, things would have changed. He backed the ballot papers saying that the same was discussed in Maharashtra Congress as well.
