Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday heard the Punjab government’s plea seeking judicial intervention in the Enforcement Directorate’s ongoing searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, including the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) headquarters.
The state government alleged that some officials had been kept at the GMADA premises for more than 50 hours during the ED operation. The High Court had conducted a late-night hearing on Wednesday and appointed a warrant officer to inspect the search operation and submit a report by 2 pm on Thursday.
The ED searches are part of a money-laundering investigation involving Tirupati Infraprojects Pvt Ltd and associated entities. The agency’s operation has covered locations in Delhi, Mohali, Chandigarh, Panchkula and Ludhiana under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Punjab Government Raises Questions Over ED Search
During Thursday’s proceedings, senior advocate Vikram Chaudhri, appearing for the Punjab government, referred to the prolonged search operation and alleged that officials had been made to stay at their offices for an extended period.
He told the court that the officials had even been sleeping on mattresses at the premises during the operation and questioned whether such circumstances were consistent with a democratic system.
The state’s counsel also described the matter as one involving a central investigating agency and the state government.
The ED, represented by Additional Solicitor General Saty Pal Jain and senior advocate Dheeraj Jain, questioned the maintainability of the state’s petition and raised issues regarding who had the legal standing to approach the court.
High Court Questions Punjab Government’s Plea
During the hearing, the court questioned the state’s locus in filing the habeas corpus petition, particularly after the officials concerned had been released.
The ED’s counsel informed the court that the officials had been released at around 1 pm.
The court also examined the authorisation and supporting documents filed by the Punjab government. The bench questioned how the petition had been instituted on behalf of the state and raised queries regarding the authority of the officer who had submitted the supporting affidavit.
The court observed that habeas corpus jurisdiction is generally concerned with unlawful detention and noted that the situation appeared to have changed after the officials were released.
The court also considered the report prepared by the warrant officer appointed during the previous night’s urgent hearing.
Warrant Officer Inspects GMADA Premises
Following the late-night hearing on Wednesday, the High Court appointed a senior-rank warrant officer to inspect the locations where the ED searches were underway.
The officer visited the GMADA headquarters in Phase 8, Mohali, during the early hours of Thursday and met the ED officials overseeing the operation. The court had directed the officer to submit a status report by 2 pm.
The intervention followed the Punjab government’s urgent petition challenging aspects of the ED operation. The state had sought judicial oversight of the searches and raised concerns regarding the continued presence of government officials at the premises.
ED Searches End After Nearly 48 Hours
The ED’s search operation at the GMADA headquarters continued for nearly two days before the teams left the premises on Thursday.
According to reports, ED officials left the Mohali headquarters in several vehicles carrying documents. The agency has not publicly disclosed the complete details of material seized from the premises.
The searches had begun on Tuesday and involved multiple locations linked to Tirupati Infraprojects and other associated companies.
The agency was also examining records at GMADA and the Punjab government’s Housing and Urban Development Department.
ED Searches Minister’s Relative’s Residence
As part of the wider operation, the ED also searched the Sahnewal residence of Gurpreet Singh Saini, a nephew of Punjab Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian.
The search at the residence was conducted on Wednesday as the operation at GMADA continued. The ED has not publicly disclosed what, if anything, was seized from the premises.
The agency also searched a Sector 39 residence in Chandigarh associated with former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain. Reports said officials broke open the locks to enter the premises as part of the investigation.
What Is The ED Investigating?
The ED’s investigation centres on Tirupati Infraprojects Pvt Ltd and companies linked to it, including Remigate Buildestates (India) Pvt Ltd, MB Infrabuild Pvt Ltd, Mera Baba Reality Associates Pvt Ltd and Mera Baba Infrastructure Pvt Ltd.
According to information cited in reports on the investigation, the agency is examining alleged financial irregularities involving GMADA-related transactions, land acquisition, changes in land use and payments involving private companies.
The probe also covers an alleged Rs 290-crore bank fraud connected with a Radisson Blu hotel project in Paschim Vihar, New Delhi. The agency is examining whether companies connected to the case received financial benefits in transactions involving GMADA properties.
The ED has also been examining records relating to the acquisition of thousands of acres of land in Mohali and New Chandigarh, along with decisions concerning land use and other GMADA transactions.
AAP Protests Outside GMADA Office
The ED searches have also triggered a political confrontation in Punjab. AAP workers gathered outside the GMADA complex in Mohali on Thursday and protested against the agency’s action.
According to reports, protesters pushed through police barricades and entered the GMADA premises, leading to clashes with security personnel. Central security forces subsequently prevented them from moving further into the complex.
Punjab government leaders have accused central agencies of targeting the state government, while the ED’s investigation remains focused on alleged financial irregularities and money-laundering links.
The High Court’s consideration of the warrant officer’s report is expected to determine the next course of proceedings concerning the state’s challenge to the ED operation.
