ED admits it doesn’t have powers to seal locked premises
Notices affixed to the properties of film producer Akash Bhaskaran and businessman Vikram Ravindran in connection with the TASMAC case will be removed.
The Madras High Court directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to remove the notices, after questioning the ED’s authority to seal their premises in the alleged scam.
The ED had pasted notices stating the properties “shall not be opened” after conducting searches, but the court questioned the legality of sealing the premises.
The court’s decision came after the duo challenged the ED’s actions, arguing they had no connection to the alleged scam.
The ED claimed the notices were pasted because the premises were locked during searches and the individuals did not respond to earlier notices.
The court, however, questioned the ED’s authority to seal the premises, especially since the individuals were not yet accused in the money laundering proceedings.
The ED has been asked to explain the basis for its actions and will need to file a response with the court.