SC Restrains ED from Accessing Santiago Martin's Digital Data

The Supreme Court has issued an order preventing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from copying data from the laptop and mobile phone of Santiago Martin, known as the "lottery king," during a money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Martin's company, Future Gaming, is a significant political donor, contributing ₹1,368 crore. In November, the ED conducted searches in multiple states based on allegations that he monopolizes the lottery business.

The SC's interim order halts the ED's investigation for two months, with a hearing scheduled for February 2025, raising concerns about privacy rights in digital evidence collection.