The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has decided to withdraw its proceedings against film producer Aakash Baskaran, which were based on searches conducted at the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) headquarters in connection with suspected irregularities. The Union government made a submission to this effect before the Madras High Court on Friday.
Fresh Proceedings to be Undertaken
The central agency informed the first bench of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan that the adjudicating authority will undertake fresh proceedings in accordance with the law. Recording the statement, the bench observed, “In view of the submissions made by the additional solicitor-general that the notice issued by the adjudicating authority would be withdrawn and proceedings afresh would be undertaken in accordance with law, we deem it fit to close the writ petition, leaving it open to the petitioner to raise all the grounds assailing the search before the appellate tribunal.”
Background of the Case
The issue pertains to an ongoing investigation into the alleged Rs 1,000 crore liquor scam involving Tasmac and its officials. In connection with the case, the ED conducted searches at properties linked to film producer Aakash Baskaran and businessman Vikram Ravindran, during which documents were seized from Aakash Baskaran.
Subsequently, a division bench of the court directed the ED to return the seized documents to Aakash Baskaran and restrained the agency from taking any further action based on those documents, pointing out that the ED lacks the power to lock and seal premises. However, the ED summoned Aakash Baskaran despite the restraining order, prompting the petitioner to move a contempt of court petition.
Contempt Petition and Withdrawal of Summons
In the contempt petition, the ED stated that the summon would be withdrawn and they would proceed afresh in accordance with the law. The court recorded the submission and closed the writ petition, allowing the petitioner to raise all grounds before the appellate tribunal.
