Supreme Court Mandates Full Document Disclosure by Enforcement Directorate at Complaint Stage, Strengthens Fair Trial Rights
The Supreme Court ruled that accused persons in PMLA cases have the right to receive copies of all documents seized during investigation, including those not relied upon by the Enforcement Directorate. The judgment clarified that this right flows from Sections 207/208 CrPC principles and is essential for ensuring fair trial rights under Article 21. The Court held that while documents can be restricted during ongoing investigations, accused are entitled to full disclosure at later stages, especially when facing the reverse burden of proof under Sections 24 and 45(1)(ii) of PMLA. The decision balances investigative needs with constitutional protections.
Facts Of The Case:
The case involved two criminal appeals concerning the rights of accused persons under the Prevention of Money Launderin...