Supreme Court Raises Concern Over ED’s Unchecked Asset Seizure Powers

The Supreme Court has issued notice on a Karnataka MLA’s plea challenging provisions of the PMLA that allow the Enforcement Directorate to seize and retain property for up to 180 days without judicial scrutiny.

The Bench questioned how non-judicial authorities could adjudicate serious property and constitutional rights issues, observing a possible “fault in the Act.”

The case has been tagged with pending challenges to the PMLA’s adjudicatory framework, including the composition of its Adjudicating Authority and Sections 20 and 21.

[KC Veerendra v. Union of India & Ors.]