Status quo protection over tribunal vacancies under the PMLA prevented further coercive steps until appointments are made.

Pending appointments to the Appellate Tribunal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act justified interim protection for the petitioners. The Bombay High Court directed that status quo be maintained in both matters and restrained further coercive steps against the petitioners, while granting liberty to apply after appointments are made. The operative effect was temporary preservation of the existing position until the tribunal vacancies are filled.

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Issues: Whether, in view of the unfilled vacancies in the Appellate Tribunal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the Petitioners were entitled to maintenance of status quo and protection against further coercive steps.

Outcome: Status quo was directed to be maintained in both matters and no further coercive steps were to be taken against the Petitioners, with liberty to apply after appointments are made.

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