High Court Can't Direct ED To Register ECIR Merely On Prima Facie Finding That Predicate Offence Existed : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court clarified that a High Court cannot direct the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to register an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) merely on a prima facie finding that a predicate offense existed. The court emphasized that the ED's decision to register an ECIR must be based on its own assessment and investigation. This ruling reinforces the ED's autonomy in initiating investigations. The judgment prevents High Courts from overstepping their jurisdiction in directing the ED's investigative actions. The decision ensures that the ED's investigative powers are not unduly constrained by judicial directives.