Uttarakhand High Court: ED Can Continue PMLA Probe Even After Filing Prosecution Complaint
The Uttarakhand High Court has dismissed a petition seeking to quash Enforcement Directorate search and summons actions in a money-laundering case linked to the 2021 UKSSSC exam paper leak, ruling that further ED investigation under PMLA remains valid even after a prosecution complaint has been filed.
Current Summary
The Uttarakhand High Court has ruled on a writ petition filed by Rajesh Kumar challenging Enforcement Directorate search operations conducted on September 10 and September 25, 2026, and a summons issued September 21, 2026, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The petitioner sought to quash the searches, summons and related proceedings, and to restrain the ED from taking coercive measures against him. The underlying investigation traces back to FIR No. 289 of 2022 registered at Raipur police station in Dehradun district, alleging leakage of the UKSSSC graduate-level examination held in 2021. Based on that FIR, the Enforcement Directorate registered a case under Sections 3 and 4 of the PMLA, and conducted searches under Section 17 of the Act, including at the petitioner's residence, before later filing a prosecution complaint. The High Court held that further ED investigation under the PMLA remains valid even after a prosecution complaint has been filed.
What We Know
- The case stems from FIR No. 289 of 2022 at Raipur police station, Dehradun, alleging leakage of the 2021 UKSSSC graduate-level exam.
- The Enforcement Directorate registered an ECIR under Sections 3 and 4 of the PMLA and conducted searches, including at petitioner Rajesh Kumar's residence, under Section 17.
- Searches were conducted on September 10 and September 25, 2026, and a summons was issued September 21, 2026.
- The petitioner sought to quash the ED's search and summons actions after a prosecution complaint had already been filed.
- The Uttarakhand High Court ruled that further ED investigation under the PMLA remains valid even after filing of a prosecution complaint, dismissing the petition.
What Is Still Unclear
- The current status of the broader UKSSSC paper leak prosecution and how many individuals remain under investigation.
What Changed
- 25 Oct, 02:12 pmSignal detected: Uttarakhand High Court: ED Can Continue PMLA Probe Even After Filing Prosecution Complaint
Background
The case is linked to the 2021 UKSSSC graduate-level recruitment examination paper leak, one of Uttarakhand's largest recruitment scandals, which has been under investigation by multiple agencies including the Enforcement Directorate.