Delhi HC notice to ED on Virbhadra's plea

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a plea by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his wife Pratibha Singh challenging ED's order to provisionally attach some of their properties in a money laundering case.

A division bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath asked the ED to file its response by May 27, the next date of hearing.

Virbhadra and his wife sought a stay and quashing of the ED's provisional attachment order of March 23 issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The petitioners said the ED attached Pratibha's assets valued at Rs.5,79,84,989 and Virbhadra's assets worth Rs.1,34,64,609.

Both said there is "no charge sheet in the present case against anyone" and that the ED exceeded its jurisdiction.

The plea said the ED decision was based on Income Tax department's inquiries and investigation, which were themselves under challenge.

In November 2015, the ED registered a case under the PMLA at its New Delhi office against Virbhadra and his family members.

--IANS

gt/tsb/dg