SC cancels extension of Enforcement Directorate chief S K Mishra's tenure, calls it 'illegal'
New Delhi, July 11: Supreme Court on Tuesday cancelled the extension of the tenure of Enforcement Director Sanjay Kumar Mishra as it held the decision of the Union government 'illegal'.
According to the Supreme Court, he will remain in office until July 31.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court deferred its decision on several petitions contesting the extension of the ED Director's tenure.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court deferred its decision on several petitions contesting the extension of the ED Director's tenure.
Following the hearing of the parties' representations, a bench of Justices BR Gavai, Vikram Nath, and Sanjay Karol reserved the order.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, informed the Court that Mishra is not the Director General of Police, but he represents the country abroad, and so parliament made a conscious decision. Mehta further informed the court that SK Mishra will retire in November.
Amicus Curiae KV Viswanathan requested the Supreme Court to strike down the amendment in the broader interest of democracy, expressing concern that future administrations will abuse it.
In the most recent hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta justified the government's decision to extend the ED Director's tenure, claiming that the money laundering offence has trans-border implications.
He had stated that the extension was necessary for the country's evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The court was considering petitions contesting the Centre's decision on November 17, 2022, to extend ED Director SK Mishra's third tenure.
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- ANI
