Pendency Of Criminal Appeal Against Conviction In Schedule Offence Not Bar For Proceeding With PMLA Trial: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court ruled that the pendency of an appeal in a scheduled offense does not bar the continuation of a trial under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The judgment was delivered in a case where the accused had argued that the ongoing appeal in a related offense should halt the PMLA trial. The Court held that the two proceedings are independent and can proceed simultaneously. The ruling clarifies the legal position on the interplay between scheduled offenses and PMLA trials, ensuring that the prosecution of money laundering cases is not unduly delayed. The judgment underscores the importance of timely and efficient adjudication of cases under the PMLA.