HC Slaps Rs 1 Lakh Cost On ED For Case On Realtor, Says Probe Agencies Mustn't Harass Citizens

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday imposed a cost of Rs 1 lakh on the Enforcement Directorate for initiating a money laundering probe against a realty developer without “proper application of mind", noting central agencies must conduct themselves within framework of law.

While imposing the fine on the ED, a single bench of Justice Milind Jadhav observed that a “strong message" needs to be sent to the law enforcement agencies to ensure citizens are not harassed.

The HC quashed process (summons/notice) issued to a Mumbai-based real estate developer, Rakesh Jain, by a special court in August 2014 based on a prosecution complaint filed by the anti-money laundering agency.