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{{Short description|Law enforcement agency and economic intelligence agency of India}}
{{Short description|Law enforcement agency and economic intelligence agency of India}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Cleanup rewrite|date=March 2024}}
{{Undue weight|date=March 2024}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}}
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| logo = Enforcement_Directorate.svg
| logo = Enforcement_Directorate.svg
| logocaption = Official emblem of Enforcement Directorate
| logocaption = Official emblem of Enforcement Directorate
| badge = Ministry of Finance India.svg
| badgecaption = Parent Agency - Ministry of Finance
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| minister1pfo = [[Minister of Finance (India)|Minister of Finance]]
| minister1pfo = [[Minister of Finance (India)|Minister of Finance]]
| chief1name = Rahul Navin, [[Indian Revenue Service|IRS]]
| chief1name = Rahul Navin, [[Indian Revenue Service|IRS]]
| chief1position = Director Enforcement
| chief1position = Director
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{{Politics of India}}
{{Politics of India}}


The '''Directorate of Enforcement''' '''or Enforcement Directorate''' ('''ED''') is a domestic [[Law enforcement in India|law enforcement agency]] and [[Economic warfare|economic intelligence agency]] responsible for enforcing economic laws and fighting economic crimes in [[India]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Official Website|url=https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/|access-date=10 July 2020|archive-date=10 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710171943/https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/|url-status=live}}</ref> It is part of the [[Department of Revenue (India)|Department of Revenue]], [[Ministry of Finance (India)|Ministry of Finance]], Government Of India.<ref name="Official-webpage">{{Cite web|title=ED (Enforcement Directorate) |publisher=Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India |url=https://dor.gov.in/preventionofmoneylaundering/ed-enforcement-directorate |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407192443/https://dor.gov.in/preventionofmoneylaundering/ed-enforcement-directorate |archive-date=7 April 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy}}</ref> The Enforcement Directorate focuses on investigating and prosecuting cases related to [[money laundering]], [[foreign exchange]] violations, [[corruption]], and economic offenses. Its primary objective is to curb the generation and circulation of [[black money]] and to ensure compliance with the laws concerning foreign exchange and prevention of money laundering.
The '''Enforcement Directorate''' (ED) is a law enforcement and economic intelligence agency of the Government of India. Established on May 1, 1956, it is responsible for enforcing economic laws and combating financial crimes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/history-ed |title=History of ED - Directorate of Enforcement |date=2021-09-14 |website=Enforcement Directorate |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref> The ED operates under the [[Ministry of Finance (India)|Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance]], with its headquarters in New Delhi.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dor.gov.in/foreignexchangemanagement/role-enforcement-directorate |title=Role of Enforcement Directorate |website=Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>


The ED's primary mandate is to enforce two key laws: the [[Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002|Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)]] and the [[Foreign Exchange Management Act|Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA)]]. Additionally, it is tasked with implementing the [[Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018|Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA)]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/what-we-do |title=What we do - Directorate of Enforcement |date=2021-09-14 |website=Enforcement Directorate |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref> The agency investigates cases of money laundering, violations of foreign exchange laws, and works to attach and confiscate assets derived from criminal activities.
The origin of the ED goes back to 1 May 1956, when an "enforcement unit" was formed, within the Department of Economic Affairs, for handling Exchange Control Laws violations under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947. In 1957, the unit was renamed as the Enforcement Directorate.<ref>{{cite web|title=Organisational History|url=http://www.enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/organisational_history.html?p1=1157101439240939219|website=Enforcement Directorate|access-date=10 August 2015|archive-date=17 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617192859/http://www.enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/organisational_history.html?p1=1157101439240939219|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Objective==
== History ==
The prime objective of the '''Enforcement Directorate''' is the enforcement of three key Acts<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.directorateofenforcement.gov.in/functions.html |title=Directorate of Enforcement |access-date=2013-05-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426044056/http://www.directorateofenforcement.gov.in/functions.html |archive-date=2012-04-26 }}</ref> of the Government of India namely, the [[Foreign Exchange Management Act|Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999]] (FEMA) and the [[Prevention of Money Laundering Act|Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002]] (PMLA), and The [[Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018]] (FEOA).
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) was established on May 1, 1956, as an "Enforcement Unit" within the Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/history-ed |title=History of ED - Directorate of Enforcement |date=2021-09-14 |website=Enforcement Directorate |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref> It was created to handle violations of exchange control laws under the [[Foreign Exchange Regulation Act|Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947 (FERA '47)]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/ed/ |title=Enforcement Directorate (ED) - Functions [UPSC Economy Notes] |website=BYJU'S |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>


Initially, the unit was headed by a Legal Service Officer as the Director of Enforcement, assisted by an officer on deputation from the Reserve Bank of India and three inspectors from the Special Police Establishment. The unit started with two branches in Bombay (now Mumbai) and Calcutta (now Kolkata).<ref name="ed-history">{{cite web |url=https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/history-ed |title=History of ED - Directorate of Enforcement |date=2021-09-14 |website=Enforcement Directorate |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>
==Organisational structure==
The Directorate of Enforcement, with its headquarters at [[New Delhi]], is headed by the director of enforcement. There are five regional offices at Mumbai, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kolkata, and Delhi headed by special directors of enforcement.


In 1957, the unit was renamed as the "Enforcement Directorate," and a new branch was opened in Madras (now Chennai). The administrative control of the Directorate was transferred from the Department of Economic Affairs to the Department of Revenue in 1960.<ref name="ed-history"/>
Zonal offices of the directorate are at Pune, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Panaji, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, and Srinagar.<ref name="Organisational-Setup">{{Cite web|title=ED (Enforcement Directorate) |publisher=Directorate of Enforcement|url=https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/about-us.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126075421/http://www.enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/about-us.html |archive-date=26 January 2020 |url-status=live |df=dmy}}</ref> These are headed by a joint director.
Over the years, the ED's mandate expanded. In 1973, FERA '47 was repealed and replaced by FERA, 1973. From 1973 to 1977, the Directorate was under the administrative jurisdiction of the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms.<ref name="ed-history"/>


With economic liberalization in the 1990s, FERA 1973 was repealed and replaced by the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), which came into effect on June 1, 2000. The ED was entrusted with enforcing FEMA.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://testbook.com/ias-preparation/enforcement-directorate-ed |title=Enforcement Directorate (ED) - Objectives, Functions & More |date=2023-10-31 |website=Testbook |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>
The directorate has sub-zonal offices at Mangaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Kozhikode, Indore, Madurai, Nagpur, Allahabad, Raipur, Dehradun, Ranchi, Surat, Shimla, Vishakhapatnam and Jammu<ref name="Organisational-Setup" /> which are headed by a deputy director.


In 2002, the [[Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002|Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)]] was enacted, and the ED was given the responsibility of enforcing it from July 1, 2005. More recently, the [[Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018|Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA)]] was passed, and the ED was entrusted with its enforcement from April 21, 2018.<ref name="ed-history"/>
==Special courts==
For the trial of an offence punishable under [[Prevention of Money Laundering Act|section 4 of PMLA]], the Central Government (in consultation with the chief justice of the [[Indian high courts|High Court]]), designates one or more [[Sessions Court]] as Special Court(s). The court is also called "PMLA Court". Any appeal against any order passed by PMLA court can directly be filed in the [[Indian high courts|High Court]] for that jurisdiction.<ref name="ED website - FAQ">{{cite web |url=http://www.directorateofenforcement.gov.in/MLA%20questions.htm#Special_Courts_ |title=ED website - FAQ |publisher=directorateofenforcement |access-date=4 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907000158/http://www.directorateofenforcement.gov.in/MLA%20questions.htm#Special_Courts_ |archive-date=7 September 2011 }}</ref>


Today, the Enforcement Directorate operates under the Department of Revenue, [[Ministry of Finance (India)|Ministry of Finance, Government of India]], and plays a crucial role in combating economic crimes and enforcing economic laws in the country.<ref name="ed-history"/>
==Conviction rate==
In July 2023, data shared by the Union government in the Parliament showed that out of 31 cases that completed trial under the [[Prevention of Money Laundering Act]] (PMLA) in the last nine years, 29 cases resulted in convictions. This equates to a [[conviction rate]] of 93.54%,<ref>{{cite news |author=[[Press Trust of India]] |title=Over 93% conviction rate in money laundering cases in 9 years: Govt |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/over-93-conviction-rate-in-money-laundering-cases-in-9-years-govt-123072400720_1.html |access-date=29 March 2024 |work=[[Business Standard]] |date=24 July 2023}}</ref> which exceeds the national conviction rate for offenses under the [[Indian Penal Code]] (IPC), which stood at 57% in 2021.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=NCRB Crime Statistics 2022 Vol 3 |url=https://ncrb.gov.in/uploads/nationalcrimerecordsbureau/custom/ciiyearwise2022/1701608543CrimeinIndia2022Book3.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404100433/https://ncrb.gov.in/sites/default/files/CII-2021/CII_2021Volume%203.pdf|archivedate=4 April 2023}}</ref>


== Organizational Structure ==
==Criticisms==

The cases by ED have gone up six times in [[Narendra Modi|Prime Minister Narendra Modi]]'s second term, which led to accusations by opposition parties stating that ED is being misused by the BJP for their political ends.<ref>{{cite news |author= <!--not stated--> |date= 26 July 2022 |title= ED Action Has Increased Dramatically Under Modi Govt, Parliament Reply Reveals |url= https://thewire.in/government/ed-action-has-increased-dramatically-under-modi-govt-parliament-reply-reveals |work= The Wire |location= |access-date= 18 August 2022 |archive-date= 17 August 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220817225027/https://thewire.in/government/ed-action-has-increased-dramatically-under-modi-govt-parliament-reply-reveals |url-status= live }}</ref> In April 2023, [[Supreme Court of India]] turned down a petition by 14 opposition parties accusing the Narenda Modi led government of misusing central agencies.<ref>{{cite news |title=Opposition's Case Against "Misuse Of Agencies" Rejected By Supreme Court |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/setback-for-opposition-in-supreme-court-over-misuse-of-central-agencies-3922536 |access-date=14 June 2023 |publisher=[[NDTV]] |date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614124304/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/setback-for-opposition-in-supreme-court-over-misuse-of-central-agencies-3922536 |archive-date=14 June 2023 |url-status= live}}</ref> In August 2023, in a debate in the parliament, Minister of State for External Affairs [[Meenakshi Lekhi]] from [[BJP]] told the opposition, "keep quiet, or ED may may arrive at your home"<ref>{{Cite web |title='Keep Quiet Or ED May Arrive At Your Home': Meenakshi Lekhi Warns Oppn During Debate Over Delhi Ordinance Bill (WATCH) |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/keep-quiet-or-ed-may-arrive-at-your-home-meenakshi-lekhi-warns-oppn-during-debate-over-delhi-ordinance-bill |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804032103/https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/keep-quiet-or-ed-may-arrive-at-your-home-meenakshi-lekhi-warns-oppn-during-debate-over-delhi-ordinance-bill |archive-date=2023-08-04 |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{YouTube|id=OSDLyaDYn9k|title=Meenakshi Lekhi Warns Opposition Of ED Raid {{!}} Parliament Session}}</ref>
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is headed by the Director of Enforcement, who is an officer of the rank of [[Additional secretary to the Government of India|Additional Secretary to the Government of India]]. The Director is responsible for overseeing the agency's operations and reports to the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/whos-who-0 |title=Who's Who - Directorate of Enforcement |date=2021-10-22 |website=Enforcement Directorate |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref> The Director is assisted by several Special Directors, Additional Directors, Joint Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, and Enforcement Officers. The organizational structure is designed to ensure efficient management and coordination across various regions and functions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/organizational-structure-0 |title=Organizational Structure - Directorate of Enforcement |date=2021-11-23 |website=Enforcement Directorate |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>

The ED's headquarters is located in New Delhi, and it has five regional offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kolkata, and Delhi, each headed by a Special Director. These regional offices oversee the operations of zonal offices located in various cities across India, including Pune, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Panaji, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, and Srinagar. Each zonal office is led by a Joint Director.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/403722989/Organizational-Chart-ED |title=Organizational Chart ED |website=Scribd |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>

In addition to the zonal offices, the ED has sub-zonal offices in cities such as Mangaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Kozhikode, Indore, Madurai, Nagpur, Allahabad, Raipur, Dehradun, Ranchi, Surat, Shimla, Vishakhapatnam, and Jammu. These sub-zonal offices are headed by Deputy Directors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/whos-who-0 |title=Who's Who - Directorate of Enforcement |date=2021-10-22 |website=Enforcement Directorate |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>

The ED's organizational structure also includes specialized units such as the Headquarters Office, Coordination, Intelligence, System & Training, Adjudication, and the Special Task Force (STF), each managed by Joint Directors and Special Directors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/organizational-structure-0 |title=Organizational Structure - Directorate of Enforcement |date=2021-11-23 |website=Enforcement Directorate |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>

== Special Courts ==
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) provides for the establishment of Special Courts to ensure the speedy trial of offenses under the Act.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_5_24_00013_199622_1517807323191&orderno=39 |title=Section 22C. Establishment of Special Courts - India Code |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>

=== Establishment and Composition ===
* Special Courts are established by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court.
* Each Special Court consists of a single judge appointed by the Central Government with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the High Court.<ref name="indiacode">{{cite web |url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_5_24_00013_199622_1517807323191&orderno=39 |title=Section 22C. Establishment of Special Courts - India Code |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>

=== Jurisdiction and Powers ===
Special Courts have exclusive jurisdiction to try offenses punishable under the PMLA. They follow the procedure prescribed in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), for trials before a Court of Session.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/sites/default/files/Act&rules/THE%20PREVENTION%20OF%20MONEY%20LAUNDERING%20ACT,%202002.pdf |title=Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 |website=Enforcement Directorate |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>

=== Judicial Interventions ===

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been subject to various judicial interventions aimed at defining and sometimes limiting its powers. These interventions often arise from cases challenging the ED's actions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) and other related laws.

==== Supreme Court Rulings ====

In several landmark rulings, the Supreme Court of India has clarified the extent of the ED's powers, particularly concerning arrests and custody of accused individuals.

* '''May 2024 Ruling on Arrest Powers''': On May 16, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that the ED cannot arrest an accused under Section 19 of the PMLA after a Special Court has taken cognizance of the complaint. If the ED seeks custody of the accused for further investigation, it must apply to the Special Court, which will decide based on the necessity of custodial interrogation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.livelaw.in/supreme-court/ed-cannot-arrest-accused-after-special-court-has-taken-cognizance-of-pmla-complaint-supreme-court-258060 |title=Supreme Court Ruling: ED Cannot Arrest After Special Court Takes Cognizance of PMLA Complaint |date=2024-05-15 |website=LiveLaw |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=f937a9ac-1fb0-4893-92e7-6dfcb149c8d2 |title=Supreme Court's ruling on Enforcement Directorate's power to arrest |date=2024-05-29 |website=Lexology |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>

* '''Conditions for Bail''': The Supreme Court also clarified that the stringent conditions for bail under Section 45 of the PMLA do not apply if the accused appears before the Special Court in response to a summons. This ruling makes it easier for accused individuals to obtain bail in money laundering cases.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indianexpress.com/article/india/ed-cant-arrest-accused-after-special-court-has-taken-cognisance-of-complaint-sc-9332418/ |title=ED can't make PMLA arrest after cognisance, needs court nod |date=2024-05-16 |website=The Indian Express |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/supreme-court-enforcement-directorate-section-19-pmla-probe-agency-cant-arrest-accused-if-supreme-courts-big-ruling-5675220 |title="Probe Agency Can't Arrest Accused If...": Supreme Court's Big Ruling |date=2024-05-16 |website=NDTV |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>

* '''Review of PMLA Amendments''': The Supreme Court has also reviewed amendments to the PMLA, addressing concerns about specific provisions such as the requirement to provide information reports to the accused and the reversal of the presumption of innocence.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/decoding-the-ed-understanding-its-history-powers-and-criticism-123112200730_1.html |title=Decoding the ED: Understanding its history, powers, and criticism |date=2023-11-22 |website=Business Standard |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>

These judicial interventions aim to balance the ED's investigative powers with the rights of individuals, ensuring that the agency operates within the bounds of the law while effectively combating economic crimes.

== Notable Achievements ==

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been instrumental in investigating and prosecuting high-profile cases of money laundering, foreign exchange violations, and economic crimes in India. Some of its notable achievements include:

=== Major Cases ===

* [[INX Media case|INX Media Case]]: The ED played a significant role in the investigation of the INX Media case, which involved alleged financial irregularities and corruption. The case led to the arrest of several high-profile individuals, including former Finance Minister [[P. Chidambaram]].<ref>{{cite news |title=INX Media case: ED files charge sheet against P Chidambaram, son Karti |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/inx-media-case-ed-files-charge-sheet-against-p-chidambaram-son-karti/article30685869.ece |access-date=2024-07-04 |work=The Hindu |date=2020-01-29}}</ref>

* [[Vijay Mallya#Controversies|Vijay Mallya Case]]: The ED filed one of its longest charge sheets, approximately 5,300 pages, against Vijay Mallya, [[Kingfisher Airlines|Kingfisher Airlines Ltd]], and [[United Breweries Group|United Breweries (Holding) Ltd]] under the [[Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002|Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)]]. The case involved allegations of money laundering and fraud.<ref>{{cite news |title=ED files 5,000-page charge sheet against Vijay Mallya |url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/7T8f2k5XfY2qz6gZ2J5O7N/ED-files-5000page-charge-sheet-against-Vijay-Mallya.html |access-date=2024-07-04 |work=Mint |date=2017-06-15}}</ref>

* [[2G spectrum case|2G Spectrum Case]]: The ED investigated the 2G spectrum allocation scam, which was one of the largest corruption cases in India. The investigation led to the prosecution of several politicians and business executives.<ref>{{cite news |title=2G scam: ED files charge sheet against A Raja, Kanimozhi, others |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/2g-scam-ed-files-charge-sheet-against-a-raja-kanimozhi-others-117122900694_1.html |access-date=2024-07-04 |work=Business Standard |date=2017-12-29}}</ref>

* [[Punjab National Bank Scam|PNB Scam]]: The ED was involved in the investigation of the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, which involved fraudulent transactions worth over ₹13,000 crore. The case led to the arrest of diamond merchants Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi.<ref>{{cite news |title=PNB fraud case: ED files charge sheet against Nirav Modi, associates |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pnb-fraud-case-ed-files-charge-sheet-against-nirav-modi-associates/articleshow/64115779.cms |access-date=2024-07-04 |work=The Economic Times |date=2018-05-11}}</ref>

=== Asset Seizures ===

*Seizure of Assets: Over the past eight years, the ED has conducted over 3,000 raids and seized assets worth more than ₹99 crore under the PMLA.<ref>{{cite web |title=Enforcement Directorate: 10 High Profile Cases in India |url=https://blog.finology.in/Legal-news/enforcement-directorate |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Finology |date=2022-08-08}}</ref>

*[[Byju's#Accounting practices|Byju's Case]]: On November 21, 2023, the ED issued a show-cause notice of ₹9,362 crore to Think & Learn, the company behind Byju's education platform, and its founder Byju Raveendran for alleged violations of forex rules while attracting foreign investments.<ref>{{cite news |title=ED issues show-cause notice to Byju's for forex violations |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/decoding-the-ed-understanding-its-history-powers-and-criticism-123112200730_1.html |access-date=2024-07-04 |work=Business Standard |date=2023-11-22}}</ref>

=== Legislative Impact ===
* Strengthening of Laws: The ED's investigations have led to significant legislative changes, including amendments to the [[Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002|Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)]] and the introduction of the [[Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018|Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA)]] in 2018. These laws have strengthened the agency's ability to combat economic crimes and ensure compliance with financial regulations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Role of enforcement directorate – What is ED |url=https://www.lloydlawcollege.edu.in/blog/role-of-enforcement-directorate.html |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Lloyd Law College}}</ref>

== Conviction rate and allegations of misuse ==

=== Conviction rate ===

The Enforcement Directorate has reported a high conviction rate in money laundering cases, but this figure is based on a small number of completed trials. As of January 31, 2023, the ED had registered 5,906 Enforcement Case Information Reports (ECIRs) and arrested 513 persons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Statistics {{!}} Directorate of Enforcement |url=https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/statistics-0 |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=enforcementdirectorate.gov.in}}</ref> However, only a small fraction of these cases have completed trial.
In July 2023, data shared by the union government in Parliament revealed that only 31 cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) had completed trial in the previous nine years. Of these, 29 resulted in convictions, yielding a conviction rate of 93.54%.<ref>{{cite news |author=Press Trust of India |title=Over 93% conviction rate in money laundering cases in 9 years: Govt |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/over-93-conviction-rate-in-money-laundering-cases-in-9-years-govt-123072400720_1.html |access-date=29 March 2024 |work=Business Standard |date=24 July 2023}}</ref> While this rate exceeds the 57% national conviction rate for offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC),<ref>{{Cite web |title=NCRB Crime Statistics 2022 Vol 3 |url=https://ncrb.gov.in/uploads/nationalcrimerecordsbureau/custom/ciiyearwise2022/1701608543CrimeinIndia2022Book3.pdf |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404100433/https://ncrb.gov.in/sites/default/files/CII-2021/CII_2021Volume%203.pdf |archivedate=4 April 2023}}</ref> it is important to note that only 0.52% of PMLA cases have completed trial, compared to 10.5% of IPC cases.<ref>{{Cite news |title=ED Is Claiming it Has a High Conviction Rate – But it Has Closed Only 25 Cases Since 2005 |url=https://m.thewire.in/article/government/ed-is-claiming-it-has-a-high-conviction-rate-but-its-closed-only-25-cases-since-2005/amp |work=The Wire}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=भारत में अपराध वर्षवार {{!}} National Crime Records Bureau |url=https://ncrb.gov.in/crime-in-india-year-wise.html?year=2022&keyword= |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=ncrb.gov.in}}</ref>

=== Allegations of political misuse ===

The ED has faced accusations of being used as a political tool, particularly against opposition parties. Critics argue that the agency has been selectively targeting opposition leaders, conducting raids, and making arrests, especially during election periods.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/beyond-modi-indias-opposition-struggles-with-financial-crime-agency-2024-03-22/ |title=India's opposition becomes financial crime agency's target as Modi seeks third term |date=2024-03-22 |website=Reuters |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref> In March 2024, 14 opposition parties filed a petition with the Supreme Court alleging misuse of the ED. Senior advocate A M Singhvi, representing the petitioners, argued that the number of politicians investigated by the ED had drastically risen after 2014, with 95% of those investigated belonging to opposition parties.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/decoding-the-ed-understanding-its-history-powers-and-criticism-123112200730_1.html |title=Decoding the ED: Understanding its history, powers, and criticism |date=2023-12-07 |website=Business Standard |access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>

The allegations of misuse have been further fueled by incidents such as the one in August 2023, when [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|Minister of State for External Affairs]] [[Meenakshi Lekhi]] from the [[Bharatiya Janata Party|Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)]] warned opposition members during a parliamentary debate, saying, "''keep quiet, or ED may arrive at your home.''"<ref>{{Cite web |title='Keep Quiet Or ED May Arrive At Your Home': Meenakshi Lekhi Warns Oppn During Debate Over Delhi Ordinance Bill (WATCH) |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/keep-quiet-or-ed-may-arrive-at-your-home-meenakshi-lekhi-warns-oppn-during-debate-over-delhi-ordinance-bill |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804032103/https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/keep-quiet-or-ed-may-arrive-at-your-home-meenakshi-lekhi-warns-oppn-during-debate-over-delhi-ordinance-bill |archive-date=2023-08-04 |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{YouTube|id=OSDLyaDYn9k|title=Meenakshi Lekhi Warns Opposition Of ED Raid {{!}} Parliament Session}}</ref>


== Acts of parliament governing the ED ==
== Acts of parliament governing the ED ==
Line 104: Line 165:
*Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA)
*Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA)


==Internal structure ==
Directorate of Enforcement is having following hierarchy of the officers; Assistant Enforcement Officer-Enforcement Officer-Assistant Director-Deputy Director-Joint Director-Special Director-Director. However, with increasing workload and to adjust the hierarchical needs other designations like additional director are also introduced. Directorate recruits officers as Assistant Enforcement Officer (AEO). AEOs are promoted to various levels of hierarchy and serve the Directorate of Enforcement throughout their career however a large chunk of officers are taken on deputation at various level and they remain on temporary basis in ED for 2 to 5 years.

==ED's Arrest Powers Limited: SC==
On 27 July 2022, The [[Supreme Court of India]] upheld the provisions of the act and retained the powers of the Enforcement Directorate under the PMLA,<ref>{{cite news |last=Sarda |first=Kanu |date=2022-08-18 |title=Explained: Supreme Court's big verdict on Prevention of Money Laundering Act|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/law/story/pmla-decoding-sc-verdict-prevention-of-money-laundering-act-1980674-2022-07-27|work=India Today |access-date=2022-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rajagopal |first=Krishnadas |date=2022-07-27 |title=Supreme Court upholds powers of arrest, raids, seizure under PMLA |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explainer-how-the-pmla-evolved-to-be-hatchet-law-against-political-opponents/article65065506.ece|work=The Hindu |access-date=2022-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |title=Supreme Court upholds powers of Enforcement Directorate |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/supreme-court-upholds-enforcement-directorates-power-to-arrest-under-anti-money-laundering-law/cid/1876729 |work=The Telegraph Online|date=2022-07-22 |access-date=2022-08-18}}</ref> which was criticised for putting the personal liberty of citizens at risk by the undue process allowed by the provisions of PMLA.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ramakrishnan |first=Nitya |date=2022-08-03 |title=Undue Process: Here's What's Wrong With the Supreme Court's PMLA Judgment|url=https://thewire.in/law/undue-process-heres-whats-wrong-with-the-supreme-courts-pmla-judgment|work=The Wire|access-date=2022-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |title=Narrow view: On the Supreme Court's PMLA verdict |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/narrow-view-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-supreme-courts-verdict-on-the-prevention-of-money-laundering-act/article65695526.ece|work=The Hindu|date=2022-07-29 |access-date=2022-08-18}}</ref>

On 22 August 2022, Supreme Court accepted a petition to review its 27 July 2022 judgement which upheld core amendments made to the PMLA.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rajagopal |first1=Krishnadas |title=Supreme Court agrees to list petition for review of the judgment that upheld PMLA amendments |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-agrees-to-list-plea-seeking-review-of-pmla-judgment/article65796690.ece?homepage=true |access-date=2022-08-23 |work=The Hindu |date=2022-08-22}}</ref> On 25 August 2022, Supreme Court said that two provisions need reconsideration: 1.) not providing a copy of the Enforcement Case Information Report to the accused, and 2.) reversal of the presumption of innocence.<ref>{{cite news |author=Scroll Staff |title=PMLA verdict: Supreme Court says two aspects of judgement need reconsideration |url=https://scroll.in/latest/1031260/pmla-verdict-supreme-court-says-two-aspects-of-judgement-need-reconsideration |access-date=2022-08-25 |work=Scroll.in |date=2022-08-25}}</ref>

On August 21, 2023, in a significant ruling, the [[Supreme Court of India]] clarified that Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials are not equivalent to police officers and hence, cannot make arrests under the [[Prevention of Money Laundering Act]] (PMLA). The apex court's decision came in response to the case presented by [[V. Senthil Balaji]] and liquor syndicate racket in [[Chhattisgarh]]. Emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rule of law, the Supreme Court stated that the ED cannot operate as "a law unto itself." This landmark judgment underscores the boundaries of power and authority vested in the ED, ensuring checks and balances in its operations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/ed-officials-not-police-officers-cant-make-arrests-under-pmla-senthil-balaji-tells-sc-8861978/|title=ED officials not police officers, can't make arrests under PMLA: TN Minister Senthil Balaji tells SC|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=26 July 2023|access-date=26 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/supreme-court-restrains-enforcement-directorate-in-fresh-liquor-syndicate-case-says-ed-cannot-be-a-law-unto-itself-101692641360075.html|title=ED cannot be a law unto itself, says SC|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=21 August 2023|access-date=26 August 2023}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 125: Line 177:


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|3}}


==External links==
==External links==

Revision as of 18:19, 4 July 2024

Enforcement Directorate
प्रवर्तन निदेशालय
Official emblem of Enforcement Directorate
Official emblem of Enforcement Directorate
AbbreviationED
Agency overview
Formed1 May 1956
(68 years ago) (1956-05-01)
Legal personalityGovernment agency
Jurisdictional structure
Federal agencyIndia
Operations jurisdictionIndia
Governing bodyGovernment of India
Constituting instruments
General nature
Operational structure
HeadquartersNew Delhi, India
Minister responsible
Agency executive
  • Rahul Navin, IRS, Director
Parent agencyDepartment of Revenue, Ministry of Finance
Website
enforcementdirectorate.gov.in
This article is part of a series on the
Politics of India
Government
Parliament
Minister Kiren Rijiju
Judiciary
Elections and political parties
Administrative divisions
Federalism
  • Judiciary
Foreign relations
  • Policy Of India
flag India portal

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is a law enforcement and economic intelligence agency of the Government of India. Established on May 1, 1956, it is responsible for enforcing economic laws and combating financial crimes.[1] The ED operates under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, with its headquarters in New Delhi.[2]

The ED's primary mandate is to enforce two key laws: the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA). Additionally, it is tasked with implementing the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA).[3] The agency investigates cases of money laundering, violations of foreign exchange laws, and works to attach and confiscate assets derived from criminal activities.

History

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) was established on May 1, 1956, as an "Enforcement Unit" within the Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India.[4] It was created to handle violations of exchange control laws under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947 (FERA '47).[5]

Initially, the unit was headed by a Legal Service Officer as the Director of Enforcement, assisted by an officer on deputation from the Reserve Bank of India and three inspectors from the Special Police Establishment. The unit started with two branches in Bombay (now Mumbai) and Calcutta (now Kolkata).[6]

In 1957, the unit was renamed as the "Enforcement Directorate," and a new branch was opened in Madras (now Chennai). The administrative control of the Directorate was transferred from the Department of Economic Affairs to the Department of Revenue in 1960.[6] Over the years, the ED's mandate expanded. In 1973, FERA '47 was repealed and replaced by FERA, 1973. From 1973 to 1977, the Directorate was under the administrative jurisdiction of the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms.[6]

With economic liberalization in the 1990s, FERA 1973 was repealed and replaced by the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), which came into effect on June 1, 2000. The ED was entrusted with enforcing FEMA.[7]

In 2002, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was enacted, and the ED was given the responsibility of enforcing it from July 1, 2005. More recently, the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA) was passed, and the ED was entrusted with its enforcement from April 21, 2018.[6]

Today, the Enforcement Directorate operates under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and plays a crucial role in combating economic crimes and enforcing economic laws in the country.[6]

Organizational Structure

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is headed by the Director of Enforcement, who is an officer of the rank of Additional Secretary to the Government of India. The Director is responsible for overseeing the agency's operations and reports to the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.[8] The Director is assisted by several Special Directors, Additional Directors, Joint Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, and Enforcement Officers. The organizational structure is designed to ensure efficient management and coordination across various regions and functions.[9]

The ED's headquarters is located in New Delhi, and it has five regional offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kolkata, and Delhi, each headed by a Special Director. These regional offices oversee the operations of zonal offices located in various cities across India, including Pune, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Panaji, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, and Srinagar. Each zonal office is led by a Joint Director.[10]

In addition to the zonal offices, the ED has sub-zonal offices in cities such as Mangaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Kozhikode, Indore, Madurai, Nagpur, Allahabad, Raipur, Dehradun, Ranchi, Surat, Shimla, Vishakhapatnam, and Jammu. These sub-zonal offices are headed by Deputy Directors.[11]

The ED's organizational structure also includes specialized units such as the Headquarters Office, Coordination, Intelligence, System & Training, Adjudication, and the Special Task Force (STF), each managed by Joint Directors and Special Directors.[12]

Special Courts

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) provides for the establishment of Special Courts to ensure the speedy trial of offenses under the Act.[13]

Establishment and Composition

  • Special Courts are established by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court.
  • Each Special Court consists of a single judge appointed by the Central Government with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the High Court.[14]

Jurisdiction and Powers

Special Courts have exclusive jurisdiction to try offenses punishable under the PMLA. They follow the procedure prescribed in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), for trials before a Court of Session.[15]

Judicial Interventions

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been subject to various judicial interventions aimed at defining and sometimes limiting its powers. These interventions often arise from cases challenging the ED's actions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) and other related laws.

Supreme Court Rulings

In several landmark rulings, the Supreme Court of India has clarified the extent of the ED's powers, particularly concerning arrests and custody of accused individuals.

  • May 2024 Ruling on Arrest Powers: On May 16, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that the ED cannot arrest an accused under Section 19 of the PMLA after a Special Court has taken cognizance of the complaint. If the ED seeks custody of the accused for further investigation, it must apply to the Special Court, which will decide based on the necessity of custodial interrogation.[16][17]
  • Conditions for Bail: The Supreme Court also clarified that the stringent conditions for bail under Section 45 of the PMLA do not apply if the accused appears before the Special Court in response to a summons. This ruling makes it easier for accused individuals to obtain bail in money laundering cases.[18][19]
  • Review of PMLA Amendments: The Supreme Court has also reviewed amendments to the PMLA, addressing concerns about specific provisions such as the requirement to provide information reports to the accused and the reversal of the presumption of innocence.[20]

These judicial interventions aim to balance the ED's investigative powers with the rights of individuals, ensuring that the agency operates within the bounds of the law while effectively combating economic crimes.

Notable Achievements

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been instrumental in investigating and prosecuting high-profile cases of money laundering, foreign exchange violations, and economic crimes in India. Some of its notable achievements include:

Major Cases

  • INX Media Case: The ED played a significant role in the investigation of the INX Media case, which involved alleged financial irregularities and corruption. The case led to the arrest of several high-profile individuals, including former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram.[21]
  • 2G Spectrum Case: The ED investigated the 2G spectrum allocation scam, which was one of the largest corruption cases in India. The investigation led to the prosecution of several politicians and business executives.[23]
  • PNB Scam: The ED was involved in the investigation of the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, which involved fraudulent transactions worth over ₹13,000 crore. The case led to the arrest of diamond merchants Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi.[24]

Asset Seizures

  • Seizure of Assets: Over the past eight years, the ED has conducted over 3,000 raids and seized assets worth more than ₹99 crore under the PMLA.[25]
  • Byju's Case: On November 21, 2023, the ED issued a show-cause notice of ₹9,362 crore to Think & Learn, the company behind Byju's education platform, and its founder Byju Raveendran for alleged violations of forex rules while attracting foreign investments.[26]

Legislative Impact

Conviction rate and allegations of misuse

Conviction rate

The Enforcement Directorate has reported a high conviction rate in money laundering cases, but this figure is based on a small number of completed trials. As of January 31, 2023, the ED had registered 5,906 Enforcement Case Information Reports (ECIRs) and arrested 513 persons.[28] However, only a small fraction of these cases have completed trial. In July 2023, data shared by the union government in Parliament revealed that only 31 cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) had completed trial in the previous nine years. Of these, 29 resulted in convictions, yielding a conviction rate of 93.54%.[29] While this rate exceeds the 57% national conviction rate for offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC),[30] it is important to note that only 0.52% of PMLA cases have completed trial, compared to 10.5% of IPC cases.[31][32]

Allegations of political misuse

The ED has faced accusations of being used as a political tool, particularly against opposition parties. Critics argue that the agency has been selectively targeting opposition leaders, conducting raids, and making arrests, especially during election periods.[33] In March 2024, 14 opposition parties filed a petition with the Supreme Court alleging misuse of the ED. Senior advocate A M Singhvi, representing the petitioners, argued that the number of politicians investigated by the ED had drastically risen after 2014, with 95% of those investigated belonging to opposition parties.[34]

The allegations of misuse have been further fueled by incidents such as the one in August 2023, when Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) warned opposition members during a parliamentary debate, saying, "keep quiet, or ED may arrive at your home."[35][36]

Acts of parliament governing the ED

  • Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA)[37]
  • Prevention Of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)
  • Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA)
  • Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA)


See also

References

  1. ^ "History of ED - Directorate of Enforcement". Enforcement Directorate. 14 September 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  2. ^ "Role of Enforcement Directorate". Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  3. ^ "What we do - Directorate of Enforcement". Enforcement Directorate. 14 September 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  4. ^ "History of ED - Directorate of Enforcement". Enforcement Directorate. 14 September 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  5. ^ "Enforcement Directorate (ED) - Functions [UPSC Economy Notes]". BYJU'S. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e "History of ED - Directorate of Enforcement". Enforcement Directorate. 14 September 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  7. ^ "Enforcement Directorate (ED) - Objectives, Functions & More". Testbook. 31 October 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  8. ^ "Who's Who - Directorate of Enforcement". Enforcement Directorate. 22 October 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  9. ^ "Organizational Structure - Directorate of Enforcement". Enforcement Directorate. 23 November 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  10. ^ "Organizational Chart ED". Scribd. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  11. ^ "Who's Who - Directorate of Enforcement". Enforcement Directorate. 22 October 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  12. ^ "Organizational Structure - Directorate of Enforcement". Enforcement Directorate. 23 November 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  13. ^ "Section 22C. Establishment of Special Courts - India Code". Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  14. ^ "Section 22C. Establishment of Special Courts - India Code". Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  15. ^ "Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002" (PDF). Enforcement Directorate. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  16. ^ "Supreme Court Ruling: ED Cannot Arrest After Special Court Takes Cognizance of PMLA Complaint". LiveLaw. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  17. ^ "Supreme Court's ruling on Enforcement Directorate's power to arrest". Lexology. 29 May 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  18. ^ "ED can't make PMLA arrest after cognisance, needs court nod". The Indian Express. 16 May 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  19. ^ ""Probe Agency Can't Arrest Accused If...": Supreme Court's Big Ruling". NDTV. 16 May 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  20. ^ "Decoding the ED: Understanding its history, powers, and criticism". Business Standard. 22 November 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  21. ^ "INX Media case: ED files charge sheet against P Chidambaram, son Karti". The Hindu. 29 January 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  22. ^ "ED files 5,000-page charge sheet against Vijay Mallya". Mint. 15 June 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  23. ^ "2G scam: ED files charge sheet against A Raja, Kanimozhi, others". Business Standard. 29 December 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  24. ^ "PNB fraud case: ED files charge sheet against Nirav Modi, associates". The Economic Times. 11 May 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  25. ^ "Enforcement Directorate: 10 High Profile Cases in India". Finology. 8 August 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  26. ^ "ED issues show-cause notice to Byju's for forex violations". Business Standard. 22 November 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  27. ^ "Role of enforcement directorate – What is ED". Lloyd Law College. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  28. ^ "Statistics | Directorate of Enforcement". enforcementdirectorate.gov.in. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  29. ^ Press Trust of India (24 July 2023). "Over 93% conviction rate in money laundering cases in 9 years: Govt". Business Standard. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  30. ^ "NCRB Crime Statistics 2022 Vol 3" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 April 2023.
  31. ^ "ED Is Claiming it Has a High Conviction Rate – But it Has Closed Only 25 Cases Since 2005". The Wire.
  32. ^ "भारत में अपराध वर्षवार | National Crime Records Bureau". ncrb.gov.in. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  33. ^ "India's opposition becomes financial crime agency's target as Modi seeks third term". Reuters. 22 March 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  34. ^ "Decoding the ED: Understanding its history, powers, and criticism". Business Standard. 7 December 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  35. ^ "'Keep Quiet Or ED May Arrive At Your Home': Meenakshi Lekhi Warns Oppn During Debate Over Delhi Ordinance Bill (WATCH)". Free Press Journal. Archived from the original on 4 August 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  36. ^ Meenakshi Lekhi Warns Opposition Of ED Raid | Parliament Session on YouTube
  37. ^ @Digitalhindi (3 January 2023). "What is ED and ED Full Form". Archived from the original on 4 January 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
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