Bombay HC orders ED to pay cost of Rs 1 lakh for abusing process of law
The Bombay High Court has ordered the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to pay a cost of Rs 1 lakh for misusing legal proceedings by transforming a civil dispute into a criminal case. This ruling was made on January 21, 2025, in response to the ED’s actions that were deemed to have abused the legal process, thereby infringing upon the rights of individuals involved in the case.
Nature of Abuse: The court criticized the ED for overstepping its authority and mischaracterizing a civil matter as a criminal issue, which led to unnecessary harassment of citizens.
Judicial Remarks: The bench emphasized that investigative agencies must not engage in practices that harass individuals, highlighting the importance of upholding civil rights within legal frameworks.
Cost Payment: The imposed cost is to be paid to the High Court library within four weeks, and any plea for review of this order will not be entertained until proof of payment is submitted.
This decision underscores the judiciary’s role in maintaining checks on law enforcement agencies and ensuring that citizens are protected from undue legal pressures.
