Shivani Thakur
Published on: April 18, 2022 at IST
The Supreme Court took exception to Accused in the GainBitcoin Scam, Ajay Bhardwaj, failing to disclose the username and password of his Cryptowallet to the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The Supreme Court asked Bhardwaj to disclose the username and password of his Cryptowallet to the Enforcement Directorate.
“Why have not given the email and pass? You must share the details. We should dismiss it for non-compliance. Supreme Court is not a District Court where you can play like this….You make a statement here and then no compliance. We are not some Tis Hazari Court where you can play like this. First comply with the Order, then come here,” remarked Justice Chandrachud.
Ajay Bhardwaj along with alleged mastermind and brother Amit Bhardwaj are Accused of running a multi-level Marketing Scheme promising huge returns to Investors.
During one of the earlier hearings, the Court had asked the Central government to make its stand clear on whether or not Bitcoin is illegal.
When the matter was taken up today, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, said that Amit Bharadwaj has passed away and the Case relating to him can be disposed of.
The Bench then asked Bhardwaj’s Counsel the reason for the same.
“We will give the password. Pune Police has seized everything, how can I give,” the Petitioner’s Counsel asked.
“You don’t need hardware for sharing password,” the Bench responded.
“My passwords were changed by the Pune police officers,” the Counsel said.
“Whatever you have, please submit,” the Bench directed.
The Court directs Bhardwaj to submit details to the Enforcement Directorate tomorrow.
