Bombay HC gives ED time to amend appeal against 'uncalled for' PMLA court observations

MUMBAI: Bombay high court on Friday fixed for hearing on November 25 an appeal filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for cancellation of bail granted by a special PMLA court to Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut.
Justice Bharati Dangre before whose bench the matter was listed asked if she could fix it on a day to ensure continuity of hearing and senior counsel Aabad Ponda for co-accused Pravin Raut said that ED in its appeal mentioned it would add grounds based on findings in the order copy once made available and they should disclose if they wish to add before the hearing.
Additional solicitor general Anil Singh for ED said it was ready to add grounds and argue right away. The HC said it would give ED time to do so as it wants to then hear the matter with no breaks.Singh said the PMLA court had made certain “uncalled for remarks’’ against it in the bail order, which would impact pending cases.
Justice Dangre said there are many orders that have adverse impact. Singh said the ED will amend its plea by Monday. The HC then said both the Rauts may file their replies within a week and posted the matter for November 25. Sanjay Raut's senior counsel Ashok Mundergi sought two weeks to file his reply.
The PMLA court had said Sanjay Raut's arrest was “illegal’’ and for “noreason at all.’’ Sanjay Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP was out on bail on Wednesday evening in connection with the Patra Chawl redevelopment case, 100 days after his arrest.