New Delhi, Aug 4: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a petition filed by Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, challenging the alleged misuse of investigative powers by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi directed Baghel to first approach the Chhattisgarh High Court for relief regarding the filing of what he termed “incomplete or piecemeal” charge sheets in ongoing cases, including those related to rice milling, coal, and a multi-crore liquor scam.
Baghel’s petition accused the ED of conducting “further investigations” without express authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and filing prosecution complaints in parts to deny accused persons their right to default bail under Section 167(2) of the CrPC and Section 187(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The plea alleged that coercive tactics—such as arrests and summons without judicial oversight—were being used to frustrate legal safeguards.
In a separate writ petition, Baghel also sought the striking down of Sections 50 and 63 of the PMLA, claiming they violate Articles 14, 20, and 21 of the Constitution. These provisions empower the ED to summon individuals and compel statements under threat of penal action, which Baghel argued creates a “chilling effect” on the right to silence.
The court scheduled this second plea for hearing on August 6, along with similar petitions challenging the PMLA provisions.
The Bench also refused to entertain a related plea by Baghel’s son, Chaitanya Baghel, arrested on July 18 in connection with the ₹2,160 crore liquor scam. He was granted liberty to approach the Chhattisgarh High Court for relief.
