Wed May 07 13:16:28 UTC 2025: **Supreme Court to Reconsider Controversial PMLA Amendments**
NEW DELHI, May 7, 2025 – The Supreme Court of India will reconsider its 2022 judgment upholding amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), granting the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sweeping powers. The court will focus on two key issues: the non-disclosure of Enforcement Case Information Reports (ECIRs) to the accused and the shifting of the burden of proof from the prosecution to the accused.
The decision follows a petition for review filed by several individuals, including Karti Chidambaram. While the government initially sought to limit the review to the two aforementioned points, the petitioners argued that a subsequent Supreme Court ruling mandating ECIR disclosure necessitates a broader review, potentially requiring a larger Constitutional Bench.
The court has directed the petitioners and government representatives to collaborate on outlining the specific issues for reconsideration. A final hearing is scheduled for August 6th and 7th.
The 2022 judgment had sparked widespread criticism for its perceived infringement on the fundamental rights of the accused, particularly concerning the stringent bail conditions and lack of access to crucial investigative documents. The amendments, introduced in 2019, had been challenged by over 240 petitions. The court’s upcoming decision will significantly impact the ED’s investigative powers and the rights of individuals accused under the PMLA.
First Piper 