Tanisha Rana
Published on: 12 August, 2022 at 17:34 IST
The Supreme Court has granted the permission to approach the Patiala House Sessions Court (PMLA Court), Delhi to Preeti Chandra, former Unitech promoter Sanjay Chandra’s wife, in a plea filed by her seeking permission to approach the PMLA Court to seek regular bail.
The Supreme Court granted her permission to approach the Patiala House Sessions Court (PMLA Court) after the interrogation by Enforcement Directorate (ED) is completed.
On 8th August, 2022, The Patiala House Sessions Court (PMLA Court) allowed ED’s application to interrogate Preeti Chandra in Tihar Jail on 3 occasions in a span of 40 days.
The Bench comprised of Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice M.R. Shah.
The Counsel appearing on behalf of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said that Chandra’s interrogation began on 10th August, 2022 and the other two occasions of interrogation could be confirmed only after the first interrogation is completed by ED. The Bench also permitted Chandra to apply for regular bail, once she has been interrogation on all the three occasions in a span of 40 days.
“The applicant is granted permission to move Sessions Court Patiala House PMLA court for seeking regular bail after the interrogation which has been granted by the session’s court is concluded. This order shall not be construed to be any direction to the sessions court with regard to any manner in which the application is to be considered.” the Court said.
Senior Advocate, Mr. Siddhartha Dave appeared on behalf of Preeti Chandra. On the last date of hearing, Mr. Dave stated that Ms. Chandra’s Dominican Republic passport is in the custody of the ED. He apprised that she had no other passport.
ASG, Madhavi Divan appeared on behalf of ED. She informed the Bench that ED is making efforts to trace the assets of the company Trikar Group, which have huge assets in the UAE and other countries.
Preeti Chandra was arrested by ED on 4th October, 2021 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The complaint was filed on 2nd December, 2021 and on 18th February, 2022, a supplementary complaint was filed. The accused in both the cases were Preeti Chandra.
On 25th March, 2022, Preeti Chandra was granted interim bail for a day to attend her grandmother’s last rites. At present, Preeti Chandra, former Unitech promoter Sanjay Chandra’s wife, is in Tihar Jail.