High Court sets 4-month deadline for money seizure investigation, stresses timely completion

The High Court instructed the respondent authorities to promptly conclude the investigation into the seized money, setting a deadline of four months from the date of receiving the judgment. The court emphasized the importance of timely completion of investigations involving potential violations of the FEMA Act, despite not entirely agreeing with the relief sought by the appellant.

---

---

Issues:
1. Allegation of harassment by respondent authorities for seized money.
2. Refusal by Single Judge to interfere with the investigation.
3. Pending investigation to ascertain the source of the seized money.
4. Delay in completing the investigation.
5. Setting a time frame for completing the investigation.

Analysis:
The appellant raised a grievance against the respondent authority for harassing him despite explaining the source of the seized money. The Single Judge declined to interfere with the ongoing investigation to verify the genuineness of the appellant's claims. The appellant, dissatisfied with this decision, appealed to the High Court.

The Assistant Solicitor General informed the court that the investigation was still in progress. The appellant stated receiving the money from an individual named Mr. Binoy, who borrowed it from his mother-in-law in Kerala. The investigation aimed to establish the origin of the money found in the appellant's possession.

Despite the money being seized over a year ago, the investigation remained incomplete. The High Court acknowledged the need for a reasonable time frame for investigations involving potential violations of the FEMA Act. While not entirely agreeing with the relief sought by the appellant, the court emphasized the importance of timely completion of investigations by the Directorate of Enforcement.

Consequently, the High Court disposed of the appeal by instructing the respondent authorities to conclude the investigation promptly, setting a deadline of four months from the date of receiving a copy of the judgment for its completion.

---