Judges Of PMLA Courts Not Supposed To Act Like "Extended Arm Of ED": Punjab & Haryana HC Quashes Unreasoned Custodial Interrogation Order

The Punjab and Haryana High Court criticized the Special PMLA Court for acting as an “extended arm” of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) by granting routine custodial interrogation orders. The case involved Balwant Singh, accused in a money laundering case, where the Special Court granted ED’s request for custodial interrogation without proper reasoning. The High Court quashed the remand order, emphasizing that judicial officers must not act as mere extensions of investigative agencies. The court highlighted the need for judicial scrutiny and adherence to legal provisions, including Section 44 of the PMLA and Section 309 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The ruling reinforces the importance of judicial independence and the protection of individual rights against arbitrary detention, ensuring that custodial interrogation orders are based on sound legal reasoning and not granted as a matter of course.