A Bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath asked ED and Ministry of Finance to file their responses by May 27, the next date of hearing, after which the Bench will take a decision on stay of ED's provisional attachment order. “Let them (ED and Ministry) file their counter affidavit within 10 days. We will consider,” the court said, adding that “we are issuing notice” to the authorities concerned.
The court’s order came on a plea by Singh and his wife, who have sought stay on the March 23 provisional attachment order (PAO) of ED, besides quashing and setting aside of the same, on the ground that it has “exceeded its jurisdiction”.
They also sought quashing of the April 26 notice issued to them under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Senior advocate Amit Sibal, representing the couple, said that the proceedings initiated are without jurisdiction and authority of law.
ED has attached assets worth Rs 5,79,84, 989 belonging to Pratibha Singh and Rs 1,34,64,609 of Virbhadra Singh, their joint petition said.