Writ Petitions Against PMLA Orders Not Maintainable Unless Extraordinary Circumstances: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court held that writ petitions under Article 226 challenging adjudication orders under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) are not maintainable unless there are extraordinary circumstances.

Justice PV Kunhikrishnan observed that the PMLA provides a comprehensive appellate mechanism, and writ jurisdiction should be used sparingly only in cases involving fundamental rights violations or glaring judicial errors.

Dismissing a plea against provisional attachment by the Enforcement Directorate, the Court said petitioners must first approach the appellate authorities under the Act.

The court emphasised that each case must be decided based on its specific facts.