SC setback for Malik a trend, testimony to ED's extra effort

The Enforcement Directorate may have drawn satisfaction from the Supreme Court's rejection of minister Nawab Malik's bail plea in a money laundering case, but the court's order did not come as a surprise to the investigators.

- Pradeep Thakur

The setback for Malik is in line with a recent pattern where the courts have been increasingly appreciative of the ED's investigation in money laundering cases, in contrast to a long spell when the influential accused secured restraint orders, leaving the investigators hamstrung.

Recent success in courts, especially against high-profile politicians and industrialists, has been the result of meticulous investigation which makes it difficult for the defence counsel to question the strength of the cases against their clients.

The ED now boasts of a strong legal team led by attorney general K K Venugopal, solicitor general Tushar Mehta and additional solicitors general, who appear for the agency at short notices when needed. Besides, there are other senior advocates who are routinely drafted in to defend the agency. In fact, the legal fees spent by the agency have gone up substantially as it has been hiring the best legal minds available, whether in India or overseas.