Delhi High Court Issues Notice To ED On Ved Pal Singh Tanwar's Plea

The Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate regarding Ved Pal Singh Tanwar's challenge against his arrest in an illegal mining case in Haryana. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna sought ED's response. Tanwar was previously granted interim bail. The next hearing is scheduled for October 18.

The Delhi High Court on Monday sent a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after Ved Pal Singh Tanwar challenged his arrest in Haryana's illegal mining case. Tanwar faces charges of money laundering. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna has demanded a response from the ED, with the matter set for a hearing on October 18. Tanwar was earlier granted interim bail for 56 days on medical grounds.

Tanwar, represented by advocates Sumer Singh Boparai and Aman Sharma, challenged his arrest and subsequent remand by the trial court. His plea claims that the arresting officer did not comply with the mandatory requirements under Sections 19(1) and 19(2) of the Prevention of Money-laundering Act (PMLA), rendering the arrest arbitrary and without due diligence.

The plea further alleges that ED failed to provide the 'reasons to believe,' undermining the legality of the arrest. The ED had arrested Tanwar on May 30, 2024, in connection with illegal mining operations in Haryana's Dadam area, as per the PMLA's provisions. The ED's investigation follows a prosecution complaint by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, accusing Govardhan Mines and Minerals of environmental violations. Investigations uncovered extensive illegal mining, environmental damage, and substantial financial losses to the exchequer. Additionally, illegal mining activities in the area resulted in the deaths of five individuals due to landslides.

In an earlier search and seizure operation on August 3, 2023, authorities confiscated unaccounted cash, documents, jewellery worth Rs 3.7 crore, cash amounting to Rs 26.45 lakh, and a Mercedes car valued at Rs 1 crore. Investigations revealed that Tanwar, a key manager, had acquired mining rights illicitly and engaged in unauthorized mining activities. Tanwar is alleged to have gained Rs 37 crore from illegal mining, which he invested in various properties. Further, Tanwar is accused of misleading the ED investigation, resulting in his arrest and seven-day custody in June.

(With inputs from agencies.)