Mumbai court to decide NBW against Lalit Modi in IPL money laundering case

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On Wednesday, According to reports special court here is likely to pass an order regarding the issuance of a non-bail able warrant against former Indian Premier League (IPL) cz, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is strongly pushing for a non-bail able warrant against the former IPL chairman even after the court asked it on what grounds it was demanding the issue of a non-bail able warrant without a charge sheet being filed in the case.

If the court upholds the request, it would not only lead to Modi’s arrest as and when he returns from London, but also pave the way for the issuance of a Red Corner Notice against him, if he chooses to remain a fugitive from justice.
If the court does not allow the ED’s request, the government is likely to move the Supreme Court to revoke Modi’s passport against a Delhi High Court order that had restored it. This would force Modi to return to India to face a hostile government.
Modi has been at the center of a high-stake confrontation between the ruling BJP and Opposition Congress in Parliament. The Opposition has alleged that NDA ministers have helped Modi travel out of the UK and that he is being shielded.

On Tuesday, replying to the court’s query on how a warrant could be issued in the absence of a charge sheet, the ED’s advocate said Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cases follow a format that is different from regular criminal cases.

Special judge P R Bhavake asked the prosecution if the court had the power to issue such a warrant pending probe. It further questioned why the agency had not arrested Modi yet.

The ED’s lawyer said the case was in the pre-investigation case and it can seek the court’s assistance as and when required. The lawyer said the court had the jurisdiction to issue such a warrant.
BCCI had registered an FIR in Chennai in 2010 against Modi and others under various provisions of the Indian penal Code (IPC), while two years later ED filed a case under the PMLA, in connection with a multi crore-rupee television rights deal of Indian Premier League.