Supreme Court Seeks ED Response on Transfer of Lalu Aide Amit Katyal's Case
The Supreme Court of India has issued a formal notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in response to a significant plea filed by Amit Katyal, who is allegedly a close associate of former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. Katyal is seeking the transfer of his ongoing money laundering case from the special PMLA court in Gurgaon to the apex court itself.
Court Questions ED on Case Transfer
The apex court bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi, has specifically directed the Enforcement Directorate to explain why Katyal's case should not be transferred to the Supreme Court. The matter has been scheduled for a detailed hearing on February 23, 2024.
This development comes as Katyal, who was most recently arrested in November 2023, filed for interim relief directly with the Supreme Court, bypassing the special court where his case is currently pending. The ED reportedly expressed surprise at this move, as multiple cases against Katyal are still under adjudication and awaiting charge framing in the lower court.
Background of the Legal Troubles
Amit Katyal was initially arrested in 2023 in connection with the high-profile railways jobs-for-land scandal. This case also implicates Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, their three daughters, and son Tejashwi Yadav, the former deputy chief minister of Bihar. All face serious allegations of bribery and money laundering.
In a separate but related development, Katyal was arrested again in November 2023 concerning an alleged real estate fraud linked to Angle Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, where he serves as promoter-director. The Enforcement Directorate's case stems from First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by Gurugram and Delhi Police regarding the non-delivery of flats in the Krrish Florence Estate project located in Gurgaon's Sector 70.
Details of the Alleged Real Estate Fraud
According to the Enforcement Directorate's investigation, Katyal allegedly obtained a development license through fraudulent means from another developer. He then began collecting substantial funds from prospective homebuyers well before receiving official license approval from the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) in Haryana.
The agency has stated that the total proceeds of crime generated from this activity exceed an astonishing Rs 300 crore. The Krrish Florence Estate project has remained incomplete for over a decade, with only three towers partially constructed but not finished. This prolonged delay has led to significant financial distress for homebuyers, resulting in the initiation of insolvency proceedings by the homebuyers' association.
The Supreme Court's intervention marks a critical juncture in this complex legal saga, potentially reshaping how multiple cases against the accused are handled across different judicial forums.
