Mon Nov 18 13:13:58 UTC 2024: ## Supreme Court Raps Enforcement Directorate, Grants Bail in Money Laundering Case
**New Delhi:** The Supreme Court of India on [Date of Hearing – This information is missing from the provided text] sharply criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED), questioning the agency’s efficiency in handling money laundering cases. The court’s rebuke came during the hearing of a bail plea filed by an individual who has been incarcerated for one year and nine months without being formally charged.
The judges expressed their displeasure over the lack of progress in the case, noting that no charges have been filed in the lower court despite the prolonged detention. They also criticized the ED for showing no signs of expediting the trial.
In a significant decision, the Supreme Court granted bail to the petitioner. Further, the court directed the ED to submit a report within one day detailing the number of money laundering cases investigated and concluded, and the number resulting in convictions. This order underscores the court’s concern regarding the ED’s apparent slow pace of investigations and the lengthy pre-trial detention faced by suspects. The court’s actions highlight a growing concern over the alleged misuse of prolonged pre-trial detention by investigative agencies.
First Piper 