ED's dismal record: 31 convicted in 20 cases in 17 years under PMLA
CVC recommends action against 2724 corrupt officials
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has taken up investigation in around 87 cases under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) against MPs, MLAs and MLCs (both- ex & sitting). During the last five years 59 Prosecution Complaints (PCs) have been filed before the Special Court (PMLA) which are at various stages of trial.
Interestingly, since July 1, 2005 when the PMLA came into force, the trial has been completed only in 36 cases by the Special Court till date. The trial of offense of money laundering has been completed only in 21 cases on merit out of 36 decided cases which resulted in conviction of 31 accused in 20 cases.
In the remaining 15 cases, trial of offence of money laundering could not proceed further on merit due to quashing of predicate offence on the basis of charge sheet filed by predicate agency. However, in these cases appeal has been preferred before High Courts. It was also stated by the government in the Rajya Sabha that as many as 1082 remaining cases are at various stages of trial.
Meanwhile, the government has taken action against 2724 corrupt officials including 248 cases of prosecution sanction in 2021. The Ministry of Personnel said that the action has been taken against the officials on the recommendations of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) by various ministries and departments. However, out of these 2724 cases deviations from the Commission’s advice were also noted in 55 cases by some ministries.
