SC cautions ED to steer clear of political battles

THE CJI LIKENED ED BEING USED FOR POLITICAL MOTIVES TO A ‘VIRUS’ AND ASKED THE AGENCY TO NOT ‘PERPETUATE’ IT ACROSS THE COUNTRY

- Utkarsh Anand

The Supreme Court on Monday warned the Enforcement Directorate (ED) about being used as a political tool and likening the trend to a “virus” that must not spread across the country. Dismissing the agency's appeal against the quashing of proceedings in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case involving Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah’s wife Parvathi, the court said “enough is enough” and cautioned the agency to steer clear of political battles.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai and justice KV Chandran questioned ED’s motives in pursuing the case. “Let political battles be fought before the electorate. Why are you being used?” the bench asked additional solicitor general SV Raju, who appeared for ED.