In a recent development, the Supreme Court has slammed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for its handling of money laundering cases. The court expressed its disapproval of the practice of keeping accused individuals in custody without trial. This action by the ED was deemed to be against the principles of justice and fairness.
The Supreme Court emphasized that custody without trial shouldn’t be a norm and should only be used in exceptional circumstances. The court stated that the ED should prioritize completing investigations expeditiously and gathering sufficient evidence before seeking custody of the accused individuals.
The justices raised concerns about the unnecessary burden put on the accused by keeping them in custody without trial. This creates a significant amount of distress and violates the fundamental rights of the individuals involved. The court underlined the importance of fairness and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Additionally, the Supreme Court criticized the ED for the delays in concluding the investigations and filing charge sheets. The court pointed out that this prolonged custody without trial hinders the justice process and impinges on the rights of the accused. The ED was directed to ensure that investigations are carried out promptly, and charge sheets are filed within the designated time frame.
The court’s strong remarks serve as a warning to the ED to exercise caution and to respect the principles of justice and fairness. It is expected that this rebuke will force the ED to expedite its investigations and refrain from unnecessary custody of accused individuals without completing the trial process.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s criticism of the Enforcement Directorate for keeping accused individuals in custody without trial sends a powerful message. The court’s stance emphasizes the importance of fairness, justice, and respect for the rights of the accused. It remains to be seen how the ED responds to this reprimand and whether it will bring about a change in its practices.
