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Delhi High Court halts Enforcement Directorate's possession notices in land scandal

The recent developments in the alleged coal-block allotment scandal have taken a new turn with the Delhi High Court intervening and staying the operation of notices issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). These notices sought the physical possession of properties that were attached by the agency in connection with the scandal. The ED, responsible for investigating money-laundering cases, had attached two land parcels owned by Revati Cements Pvt Ltd and its director Umesh Shahra, claiming that the properties were purchased using illegal benefits obtained from the scandal.

The land parcels in question, measuring 26.76 hectares and 18.92 hectares respectively, are located in Madhya Pradesh and were provisionally attached by the ED in September 2019. These properties were estimated to be worth nearly Rs 20 crore. In its proceedings against the company under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the ED recently issued notices seeking physical possession of the land.

However, advocates Vijay Aggarwal and Hardik Sharma, representing Revati Cements Pvt Ltd and its director, presented arguments to set aside these notices. They contended that the notices were issued after an unexplained delay of more than three years since the properties were initially attached and confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority under the PMLA in 2020. Aggarwal further argued that as per the PMLA, seeking possession should be issued "forthwith," indicating that the delay in issuing the notices was unwarranted.

In summary, the Delhi High Court's decision to stay the operation of possession notices in the alleged coal-block allotment scandal has brought attention to the issue of delays and adherence to procedures in legal proceedings. The arguments put forth by the advocates for Revati Cements Pvt Ltd and its director highlight the need for timely actions and adherence to the provisions of the PMLA. While opposing viewpoints may exist, it is crucial to ensure that legal processes are carried out efficiently and with transparency to uphold the principles of justice.

 

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