Legal Tussle: Karnataka Deputy CM vs. Enforcement Directorate

The Delhi High Court has requested the Centre's stance on a petition filed by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. The case involves a challenge against certain provisions of the anti-money laundering law, amidst an ongoing Enforcement Directorate probe into alleged disproportionate assets.

Shivakumar's senior counsel, Kapil Sibal, urged for the Union of India to be made a party to the petition, which was initially filed in 2022. The court has now granted the Centre four weeks to respond, meanwhile maintaining the interim protection from coercive action against Shivakumar.

The Enforcement Directorate argues that the investigation is valid and distinct from previous cases. The court will revisit the case for a final hearing, with concerns over the investigation's consistency and legal jurisdiction being pivotal points of contention.

(With inputs from agencies.)