Legal Battle Intensifies: Bilquies Shah Challenges 2007 Money Laundering Case

On Monday, the Delhi High Court called for a response from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding an application submitted by Bilquies Shah, wife of Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah. The application seeks to dismiss a 2007 money laundering case tied to alleged terror financing.

Justice Sanjeev Narula issued a notice to the ED, setting the hearing date for September 26. Bilquies is accused of receiving Rs 2.08 crore from Mohd Aslam Wani. Her advocate, M S Khan, pointed out that Wani, initially the main accused in the case, was acquitted of all charges except possession of arms in 2010, a judgment that the High Court upheld in 2017.

Khan argued that the lack of an underlying offence undermines the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Despite the seven-year duration, only a fraction of the witnesses have been deposed. The case dates back to August 2005, involving allegations of large financial transfers through 'hawala' channels and possession of arms.

(With inputs from agencies.)