Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Courts Rule on Asset Attachments in Money Laundering Cases
In two separate cases, courts in Mumbai made important decisions about properties that were attached by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in money laundering investigations.
In the first case, the ED promised the Bombay High Court that it would not take any strict actions against Chanda Kochhar and her husband, Deepak Kochhar, until the court decides on their case.
The Kochhars are fighting against the ED's decision to attach their properties worth Rs700 crore, saying it's too much and not following the rules.
The court will hear more about this on December 22.
In the second case, a special PMLA court ordered the ED to release the properties of Chamankar Enterprises and its three partners.
The court said that just because there might be an appeal or a challenge to the discharge order does not mean the properties should stay attached.
The court also noted that the order discharging the accused had neither been challenged nor stayed by any competent court, so there was no reason to keep the properties attached.
The ED assured the Bombay High Court it would not take coercive action against the Kochhars until the court hears their pleas challenging the attachment of their properties.
The Kochhars challenged the attachment of their properties worth about Rs70 crore, alleging it is excessive and contrary to the prescribed procedure.
Shareholders of NuPower Renewables argued that the ED acted beyond its jurisdiction by attaching assets far exceeding the alleged proceeds of crime (PoC).
The Mumbai Special PMLA Court ordered the ED to release the properties of Chamankar Enterprises and its three partners, stating that the mere likelihood of an appeal is not a ground for attachment.
The court noted that the order discharging the accused in the Chamankar Enterprises case had neither been challenged nor stayed by any competent court.
- Who
- Chanda Kochhar, Deepak Kochhar, ED, Bombay High Court, Chamankar Enterprises, Mumbai Special PMLA Court
- What
- Courts ruled on asset attachments in money laundering cases, with the ED assured not to take coercive action against the Kochhars and ordered to release Chamankar Enterprises' properties.
- When
- December 16 (Kochhars' case), December 17 (Chamankar Enterprises' case), next hearing on December 22 at 10:30 am (Kochhars' case)
- Where
- Bombay High Court, Mumbai Special PMLA Court, Mumbai
- Why
- The Kochhars challenged the attachment of their properties worth about Rs70 crore, alleging it is excessive and contrary to the prescribed procedure. Chamankar Enterprises sought the release of properties attached by the ED in 2015 after being discharged from a money-laundering case.
- Parties Involved
- Chanda Kochhar, Deepak Kochhar, ED, Bombay High Court, Chamankar Enterprises, Mumbai Special PMLA Court
- Case Details
- Videocon money-laundering case, Maharashtra Sadan, RTO building, SRA project
- Alleged Proceeds of Crime (PoC)
- Rs64 crore
- Attached Assets Value
- Rs700 crore (Kochhars), Chamankar Enterprises' properties (value not specified)
- Next Hearing Date
- December 22 at 10:30 am (Kochhars' case)
- Act Involved
- Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEMA), Prevention of Corruption Act
- Charges Against Chanda Kochhar
- Prevention of Corruption Act
- Court Orders
- Release of Chamankar Enterprises' properties, ED assured no coercive action against Kochhars until court hearing
Sources
Kochhar Asset Attachment Case: ED To ‘Hold Its Hands’ Till Pleas Are Heard, Bombay HC Told
Shilpa Shetty denies allegations of EOW invoking Section 420 against her, husband Raj Kundra
Mumbai PMLA Court Orders ED To Release Chamankar Enterprises’ Properties After Discharge, Says Mere Likelihood Of Appeal No Ground For Attachment
Raj Kundra, Shilpa Shetty booked for cheating in Rs 60-cr case
