"Centre Expected To Ensure PMLA Appellate Tribunal Becomes Functional By September": Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has said that it expects the Centre to ensure that the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Appellate Tribunal becomes functional by September 14, the next date of hearing.

The remark was made by Justice Rekha Palli on noting that the Court is flooded with various writ petitions assailing Tribunal orders, due to non-functioning of the Appellate Tribunal.

"It is expected that before the next date, the respondent no.1 will make an endeavour to ensure that the Appellate Tribunal is made functional," the Court said.

Furthermore, it said: 

"This hope is being expressed, especially, in the light of the fact that on account of the Appellate Tribunal being not functional, this Court everyday is being compelled to deal with numerous writ petitions assailing orders passed under the PMLA, on account of statutory appeals being not taken up for consideration."

The Court was dealing with a petition seeking a direction on Centre to appoint Chairperson to the Appellate Tribunal, PMLA in order to get an expeditious decision on petitioner's pending appeal.

The counsel appearing on behalf of Centre apprised the Court that process for appointment of the Chairperson and members of the Appellate Tribunal, PMLA, is already underway. 

While issuing notice on the petition, the Court also directed that a status report be filed within a period of three weeks and a rejoinder thereto, if any, be filed within a week.

Accordingly, the Court listed the matter on September 14.

Title: FULLERTON INDIA CREDIT COMPANY LIMITED v. UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

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