Delhi High Court seeks status report from the Centre

Delhi High Court seeks status report from the Centre

It has asked for appointments of the chairperson and members in the adjudicating authority to be filled

The Delhi High Court has sought the status report from the Government of India for appointments of the chairperson and members in the adjudicating authority (AA) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The court observed from the affidavit filed by the Ministry of Finance that the quantum of work at the AA was substantial. However, there was an acute shortage of staff members and vacancies at the level of the chairperson, member (administration) and member (law).

It also noticed that the positions of the administrative officer, the registrar and the court master too were vacant.

The respondent, Capital Goods Skill Council (CGSC) submitted that a communication from the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue (ES Cell), was shown to the court. It provided the status of the various appointments to be made at the AA.

The single bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh directed the Central government for filling up the positions within a period of three months. It sought a status report within two months on the steps taken for the vacancies to be filled.