New Delhi, July 27: In a significant development, the Supreme Court has granted an extension of tenure to Sanjay Kumar Mishra, the esteemed Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), until September 15. The decision comes after the Centre’s application seeking an extension till October 15.
The bench, comprising Justices B R Gavai, Vikram Nath, and Sanjay Karol, took this step in the “larger public and national interest.” However, it is important to note that the court has made it explicitly clear that there will be no further extension beyond September 15.
During the court proceedings, some concerns were raised about the Centre’s request for an extension. The bench candidly questioned if the entire department lacked competent officers, with the exception of the current incumbent chief, Sanjay Kumar Mishra.
The Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, emphasized the necessity for continuity in ED leadership due to the ongoing Financial Action Task Force (FATF) peer review. The rating from this review holds paramount importance, making Mishra’s presence essential.
Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, representing the ED, highlighted that some neighboring countries are pushing for India to be placed on FATF’s ‘grey list.’ Given these circumstances, the continuity of ED Director Mishra is critical.
It’s crucial to recall that on July 11, the Supreme Court had previously declared two successive one-year extensions to Mishra as “illegal.” The court also noted that the Centre’s orders were in breach of its mandamus in a 2021 verdict, stating that the IRS officer should not be granted any further terms. As a result, Mishra’s extended tenure was curtailed from November to July 31.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision to grant ED Director Sanjay Kumar Mishra an extension till September 15 is a significant move taken in the interest of the nation. As the ED continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s financial matters, the extension ensures stability and continuity during the critical FATF peer review process.
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