New Delhi: In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India clarified the limits of the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) authority over public prosecutors. While the ED can guide on case facts, it cannot dictate how public prosecutors conduct themselves in court. This ruling reaffirms the autonomy of prosecutors as court officers, free from investigative agencies’ undue influence.
The judgment was delivered by a bench of Justices Abhay Oka and Augustine George Masih in a case involving the Delhi Waqf Board. It highlighted the principle that public prosecutors must act independently, focusing on the evidence and the law, without being swayed by directives from investigative bodies. This decision came as the court granted bail to Zeeshan Haider and Daud Nasir, arrested in the ongoing money laundering investigation involving the Delhi Waqf Board.
In related developments, the Rouse Avenue Court recently refused to take cognizance of a charge sheet filed by the ED against Amanatullah Khan, an AAP legislator implicated in the same case. The court ruled that the required legal sanction was not obtained, leading to Khan’s release on bail. Despite the ED presenting supplementary charges, the lack of procedural compliance weakened its case.
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring procedural fairness and the independent role of public prosecutors.
Source: Web Team, C6N
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