ED asks zonal heads to speed up PMLA trials

Enforcement Directorate conducted its quarterly conference of zonal officers on September 12 and 13 in Srinagar to restore confidence in the security environment of the state after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

Chairing the conference, ED director Rahul Navin directed zonal heads to expedite pending investigations, ensure filing of final prosecution complaints (equivalent to charge sheets), and fast-track trials, the agency said in a press statement.

Letters have been sent to registrars of all chief justices for consideration of the proposal of establishing exclusive PMLA courts.


"The decision to hold the conference in Srinagar was taken to restore confidence in the security environment of the state after the unfortunate terrorist attack in Pahalgam a few months ago. Successful completion of the conference demonstrated that J&K remains a safe, vibrant and forward-looking venue for national and international-level deliberations," the agency said in a statement.

It was discussed that although ED prosecutions are linked to the progress of the predicate offence, the delays or adverse outcome in those cases affect PMLA trials. Regarding cases that were decided on merit by the special courts, the agency has secured convictions in 50 out of 53 cases. The federal agency has so far successfully restituted assets worth more than ₹34,000 crore to victims and legitimate claimants.