The government’s argument that the ED’s leadership must remain stable in order for India’s FATF rating to remain stable has been rejected by the SC Bench.
Source: Hindustan Times
The government’s action has exposed its blatant disregard for the Supreme Court’s rulings, which stated in its 2021 decision that any extension of tenure granted to officers holding the position of ED Director after reaching the age of superannuation should be for a brief period and that Mishra should not receive any further extensions.
The ED, the nation’s top agency for looking into accusations of money laundering and breaking foreign exchange laws, has come under fire from opposition parties for being improperly used by the Centre to settle political scores.
While the Supreme Court had sent notices to the Centre and the directorate a month ago on a petition challenging the ‘unfettered’ powers the ED wields under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act for search, seizure, summons, and arrest, Congress and TMC leaders are among the petitioners who have challenged the amended law that allowed extension to the ED chief.
Source: Live Hindustan
The Aam Aadmi Party has accused the Mishra-led ED of attempting to frame and discredit several of its senior leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh, in the issue involving the Delhi excise policy. Despite the allegations made by the Opposition, the Centre has granted Mishra another extension, giving it a chance to question the reasoning behind such a decision. Both the government’s and the ED’s credibility are at risk here. Transparency in the choice and operation of the ED Director must be prioritised because the case is currently under judicial review.
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