Mar 13,2024
New Delhi: The Rouse Avenue court on Tuesday expressed its displeasure over obtaining an independent medical opinion on the condition of Amit Katyal without its order.
The court seeking a response from the accused on the reply filed by ED extended interim bail of Amit Katyal till March 22. Katyal is an accused in the ‘Land for Job’ money laundering case.
Special judge Vishal Gogne said that the Court, without expressing further, would only record that a rather peculiar and novel process has been followed by the ED in obtaining opinions from doctors when no direction has been issued by the Court.
It is appropriate that a formal rejoinder is filed by the accused to the reply for better appreciation of the merits as well as the contentions raised today regarding the methodology followed by the ED, the court ordered.
The court was hearing an application of Amit Katyal seeking an extension of Interim bail granted to him.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed its reply.
The senior counsel for the accused submitted that the ED had followed an improper and illegal process in filing the purported “independent opinion” and statements of doctors from certain private hospitals under Section 50 PMLA alongwith the reply.
On the other hand, Counsel for the ED submitted that there is no procedural impropriety and efforts had only been made to bring forth the medical condition of the accused by way of the said independent information and statements under Section 50 of PMLA.
The court was also apprised that the order on the plea seeking cancellation of interim bail granted to the accused is pending before the High Court.
Amit Katyal was granted interim bail on medical grounds for four weeks in February which was extended.
He has been arrested by the ED in land for a job money laundering case.
Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa argued on behalf of Amit Katyal.
Source: Healthworld