Supreme Court

Money Laundering Case: SC Directs Cong MLA Dharam Singh Chhoker to Appear Before ED

The Supreme Court has directed Haryana Congress MLA Dharam Singh Chhoker to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the money laundering case filed against him.

However, a bench comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta orally granted protection to Chhoker, an MLA representing the Samalkha assembly constituency of Panipat district in Haryana. They instructed the probe agency to submit an application before the court if his arrest is deemed necessary.

Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), was apprised by the bench that while they are not formally recording the protection, they advise the agency to seek court approval before any potential arrest. Raju informed the bench during Wednesday’s hearing that Chhoker, who has been evading authorities and hindering the investigation, may face arrest depending on the evidence gathered by the ED.

Despite initial summons and a subsequent non-bailable arrest warrant, Chhoker failed to cooperate with the probe, leading to legal proceedings to declare him a proclaimed offender. Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for Chhoker, requested leniency considering the ongoing election period and assured the court of his client’s cooperation with the investigation.

The court ordered Chhoker to appear before the Enforcement Directorate in New Delhi on April 12, 2024, and on subsequent dates as required. Noting that the ED has refrained from arresting Chhoker since 2021, the bench directed the agency to inform the court prior to any arrest attempt. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 6.

Chhoker’s appeal before the Supreme Court challenges the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s February 26 decision to uphold the money laundering case against him, despite the quashing of the predicate offence. Chhoker contends that without the predicate offence, there is no basis for the ED’s case.

Last year, on July 25, the ED conducted raids on multiple properties associated with Chhoker and his family as part of an investigation into alleged real estate fraud, leading to the registration of the case against him in 2021.

Nunnem Gangte

Recent Posts

Punjab & Haryana HC Notice To Jindal Law School Over AI-Generated Exam Claims

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday has issued a notice to Jindal Global…

3 hours ago

ED Files Money Laundering Complaint Against Charanjit Singh Bajaj, 4 Others

The ED on Tuesday has filed a Prosecution Complaint before the Special Court in Mohali…

3 hours ago

Pune Porsche Case: SC Rejects Anticipatory Bail To Father Of Minor Driver’s Friend

The Supreme Court on Tuesday denied bail to Arunkumar Devnath Singh, whose son is a…

5 hours ago

SC Dumps Plea Against Quashing LOC For Sushant Singh Rajput’s Ex-House Help

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the Centre's appeal against a Bombay High Court order…

5 hours ago

Rape Case: SC Issues Notice On Ex-Army Officer’s Plea For Quashing Charge sheet

The Supreme Court on Tuesday has agreed to review a plea from retired Army Captain…

6 hours ago

Chhattisgarh NAN Scam: FIR Against 2 Retired IAS Officers, Former AG

The Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau on Tuesday has registered a case against 2 retired IAS officers…

6 hours ago