Bombay High Court Fines ED Rs 1 Lakh for case on realtor, warns agency not to harass citizens

The Bombay High Court fined the Enforcement Directorate (ED) ₹1 lakh for initiating a money laundering probe against Mumbai real estate developer Rakesh Jain without proper application of mind.

Justice Milind Jadhav criticized the ED and complainant Gul Achhra for misuse of legal mechanisms, deeming their actions "malafide."

The dispute stemmed from Achhra's allegations of cheating over a property deal, which the Mumbai Police earlier dismissed as civil in nature.

Despite this, Achhra approached a magistrate, leading to ED involvement.

The court nullified the magistrate’s order and the ED case, emphasizing the need for lawful conduct by central agencies.