"Probe Agency Can't Arrest Accused If...": Supreme Court's Big Ruling
NDTV
Section 19 of the PMLA allows ED officers to arrest an individual "on the basis of material in possession (and) reason to believe (to be recorded in writing) that the person is guilty..."
In a landmark ruling on Thursday, the Supreme Court curtailed the Enforcement Directorate's power to arrest an accused - under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, or PMLA - if the accused appears as summoned by a special court that has taken cognisance of the complaint.
In such cases the agency must first seek that court's nod, the top court said.
"After cognisance is taken of the offence... the ED and its officers are powerless to exercise powers under Section 19 to arrest the person shown as accused in the complaint," the Supreme Court said.
