BNS offences can be scheduled offences under PMLA after IPC repeal: Bombay High Court

The Bombay High Court has ruled that offenses under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) can be scheduled offenses under PMLA after the IPC repeal. This significant legal development clarifies the applicability of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in the context of India's new criminal laws. With the Indian Penal Code (IPC) being replaced by BNS, the court's ruling ensures continuity in the fight against money laundering. It means that crimes defined under BNS, once notified, will serve as predicate offenses for PMLA investigations, allowing the ED to attach proceeds of crime.