ED Can't Arrest After Court Takes Cognizance' : Supreme Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To Odisha Officer In Money Laundering Case

In a recent Supreme Court ruling, anticipatory bail was granted to an Odisha officer accused in a money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Court held that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cannot arrest a person after the court has taken cognizance of the case. The officer's bail was approved on the grounds that the ED had not presented sufficient evidence to justify the arrest. This decision underscores the judiciary’s role in scrutinizing the ED's actions and emphasizes the need for substantial evidence before taking coercive measures against accused individuals.