SC questions role of ED in political matters, rejects appeal against Karnataka CM’s wife

The Supreme Court on Monday, 21 July, questioned the Enforcement Directorate's conduct in politically sensitive cases while upholding the Karnataka High Court's decision to quash the case against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife in the MUDA case.

Cautioning against the agency being used as a tool in political battles, a bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai said, "Let political battles be fought before the electorate. Why are you being used?"

The bench of Chief Justice Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran was hearing the ED’s appeal challenging a Karnataka High Court order that quashed proceedings in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case involving B.M. Parvati, wife of the Karnataka chief minister.

“Mr. Raju (Additional Solicitor General S V Raju who was appearing for the ED), please don’t compel us to open our mouths. Otherwise, we will be forced to make some harsh comments about the ED. Unfortunately, I have some experience in Maharashtra. Don’t perpetuate this violence across the country. Let political battles be fought before the electorate. Why are you being used,” the CJI said during the brief proceedings.

The court dismissed the ED’s appeal, upholding the Karnataka High Court’s decision to quash the case.