HC rejects JSW Steel’s plea against proceedings in money laundering case
The Hindu
A special court had taken cognisance of offence based on Enforcement Directorate’s probe report
The High Court of Karnataka has rejected the petition filed by JSW Steel Ltd., which had questioned the cognisance of offences taken by a special court against the company in an alleged money laundering case for its transaction with illegal mining scam-tainted Obulapuram Mining Company Pvt. Ltd. (OMC), owned by the former Minister G. Janardhana Reddy.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna said the April 11, 2022 order passed by the special court in taking cognisance of the offence against the company was “in consonance with the principles laid down by the apex court on the application of mind by the trial court while taking cognisance of offences.”
“The special judge observing that he has perused all relevant materials relating to the case before cognisance was taken cannot result in failure of justice. Since cognisance is taken on a police report and not on a private complaint it is not obligatory for the judge to issue a fully reasoned order,” the High Court said while refusing to accept the company’s contention that the order of the special court failed to reflect application of mind while taking cognisance of offence.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had taken up the investigation against Mr. Reddy, OMC, and its sister companies in 2012 after the apex court ordered a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into illegal mining, transport, and export of iron ore. The ED’s probe also included JSW’s transaction with OMC.
The ED had filed its investigation report, based on which the special court had taken cognisance of the offence against JSW and a few others under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The JSW had contended that it had entered into a contract with OMC in 2009 for supply of 1.5 million tonnes of iron ore, fines, and lumps to its Vijayanagar steel plant and had paid ₹130 crore to OMC for this purpose.
However, on and after 2010, OMC had failed to supply materials in breach of contract but on repeated insistence, some quantity of materials was supplied through OMC’s sister companies, the JSW claimed.
Vaccination policies must prioritize saving human lives over individual choice amid rising vaccine skepticism, asserts scientist Dr. Virander Singh Chauhan.
Seven Indian fishermen from Rameswaram arrested by Sri Lankan Navy, sparking protests and calls for government intervention.
Kerala cyber police file a case against X for an AI video allegedly defaming PM Modi and the Election Commission.
iKure and Izawa Co. partner to combat avoidable blindness by integrating innovative eye care technology into rural healthcare networks.
Thousand Lights MLA from the DMK N. Ezhilan, in an interview to The Hindu, observes that any popular personality entering politics will attract the limelight. But only a structured party machinery combined with popularity can ensure success. In this interview, he speaks about his tenure as first-time MLA from Thousand Lights Assembly constituency in Chennai, Vijay’s political entry shaping the 2026 elections, redressal of key grievances and more.
Abhishek Banerjee challenges BJP's Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram, pledging community health initiatives if Trinamool Congress wins.
Rising LPG shortages in Karnataka boost firewood demand, reviving an informal market as households and hotels seek alternatives.
Against the backdrop of intense poll activity, a 400-metre stretch of an arterial road in the outskirts of Chennai (technically in Madurapakkam panchayat under Tambaram assembly constituency) presents a salute to the idea of res publica, which underpins India’s system of governance, where citizens have a say, at least before a government is securely ensconced in the seat of power. A Republic Day initiative shines bright every night
Fadnavis claims zero FIR in Ajit Pawar crash is a defamation attempt by Karnataka against Maharashtra's investigation efforts.
Set to unfold as a one-day pop-up on April 5, the Easter Sadya brings together both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus, offering a peek into the food traditions of the Syrian Christian (Nasrani) community. While the traditional Sadya is often associated with dishes such as sambar, avial, and rice, this version expands to include community-specific festive dishes.
BJP nominates mother of R.G. Kar victim Abhaya to contest from Panihati in West Bengal Assembly elections.
Veteran Malayalam actor-director E.A. Rajendran passes away at 71, leaving behind a rich legacy in the film industry.
Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat has rolled out digital mode of water bill generation and collection in 23 gram panchayats on a pilot basis for the first time in Karnataka. This is set to be extended to the remaining 200 panchayats shortly, according to the Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narwade Vinayak Karbhari.