SC stays release of HDIL directors in PMC case

The Supreme Court partially stayed the Bombay High Court order allowing shifting of HDIL promoters Rakesh Wadhawan and Sarang Wadhawan, accused in the multicrore Punjab & Maharashtra Cooperative Bank (PMC) scam, from Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail to their residence.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde took note of the submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, that he was assailing the high court order to the extent of allowing the release of two promoters from the prison and this needed to be stayed.

"Until further orders, there shall be a stay of the directions given by the (Bombay) High Court in paragraph 15 (xv) and (xvi) (which deals with release of accused from prison) of the impugned order dated January 15, 2020," said the bench, which also comprised Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant.

The law officer said the other aspects of the high court order such as sale of assets of the accused promoters under the supervision of high court appointed committee should be allowed to remain operative and the sole objection was with regard to their release from Arthur Road Jail.

The top court agreed with the submissions of the ED and also issued notice to the respondents of the case and sought their replies within four weeks.

"Issue notice returnable in four weeks. Dasti, in addition, is permitted. Let the copy of this order be communicated to the respondents by e-mail through the Registry of this court," the top court said in its order.