FPA-PMLA-1213/MUM/2016 of Ravindra G Sapkal v/s Deputy Director, Directorate of Enforcement. Mumbai
Case brief
What is this about?
In three consolidated money laundering appeals, the Tribunal quashed the Permanent Attachment Orders confirming the Provisional Attachment Orders passed by the Adjudicating Authority. The court held that the properties of the appellants were not 'proceeds of crime' as they originated from 'clean money' of Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Pvt. Ltd. The judgment emphasized that mere tracing of funds or investment in real estate does not constitute money laundering if the source funds are not tainted. The Tribunal set aside the attachment orders and freed the properties, noting the absence of material establishing the nexus between the companies and the scheduled offence.
What did the court decide?
The impugned orders dated 30.12.2015 and provisional attachment orders were set aside. The properties were released forthwith.