Archive · 8 Aug 2025
Supreme Court Criticizes ED's Conduct in Money Laundering Cases
The Supreme Court is telling the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which investigates financial crimes, that it must follow the law.
The court is reviewing the ED's power to arrest and seize assets, as they are concerned about the low number of convictions in money laundering cases.
The judges are worried about people being held in jail for a long time before their trials, especially if they are later found not guilty.
The ED argues that the justice system has flaws and that they've helped return a lot of money to victims.
Supreme Court stated the Enforcement Directorate (ED) must operate within legal boundaries.
The court is reviewing the ED's power of arrest, search, and seizure under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Justices questioned the ED's low conviction rate of 0.1% in money-laundering cases.
The court raised concerns about prolonged pretrial detentions.
Solicitor General attributed low conviction rates to systemic flaws and procedural issues, also highlighting significant financial recoveries.
- Who
- Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan and N Kotiswar Singh and Chief Justice BR Gavai, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, and Additional Solicitor General SV Raju.
- What
- The Supreme Court is scrutinizing the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) practices and reminding the agency to operate within legal boundaries.
- When
- The hearing took place on Thursday.
- Where
- Supreme Court of India.
- Why
- The court is examining the ED's actions, specifically focusing on extended detentions and low conviction rates.
Concerns Over ED's Practices
ED's Defense
ED's Actions and Legal Standards
Concerns Over ED's Practices
The court expressed concern over the ED's low conviction rate, prolonged detentions and actions.
ED's Defense
The ED argues that they face challenges in investigations and have recovered significant amounts of money for victims, attributing low conviction rates to systemic issues.
- Agency
- Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Law
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
- Conviction Rate
- 0.1%
- ED Recovery
- ₹23,000 crore
- Chief Justice
- BR Gavai
Sources
ED recovered Rs 23,000 cr laundered money, distributed it to victims: SG to Supreme Court
'Even If Not Convicted...': Supreme Court Jabs Probe Agency On Conviction Rate
ED Can’t Act Like a Crook, Must Follow Law: SC Flags Low Conviction Rate
ED can't act like 'crook', must work within four corners of law: SC
Enforcement Directorate Can't Act Like "Crook": Top Court Flags Low Conviction Rates
ED 'Can't Act Like A Crook, Must Follow Law': Supreme Court's Stinging Rebuke
Probe Agency's Conviction Rate In PMLA Cases Over 92% In Last 5 years: Data
ED has to act lawfully, not like crooks: Supreme Court
'Can't Act Like Crook': Supreme Court Slams ED Over Low Convictions
Supreme Court Questions ED’s Years-Long Detention Of Accused Without Convictions, Flags Justice Concerns
