Appellate Tribunal orders status quo on immovable properties in money laundering case involving agricultural lands

The Appellate Tribunal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act directed maintenance of status quo regarding immovable properties of appellants involved in money laundering proceedings concerning agricultural lands. The respondent was granted four weeks to file replies to applications, with advance copies to be served on the opposing party. The matter was scheduled for hearing on 26th April, 2021, with no objection from appellants' counsel to the time extension requested.

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Issues:
1. Urgent hearing of appeals and interim stay applications.
2. Fresh appeals filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
3. Applications seeking stay of impugned order and permission to harvest crops.
4. Dispute over physical possession of agricultural lands and crops grown thereon.
5. Directions regarding maintenance of 'status quo' and conditions imposed.

Detailed Analysis:
1. The appellant filed applications seeking an early hearing of appeals and interim stay based on grounds mentioned therein. The Tribunal considered the requests and disposed of the applications promptly.
2. Fresh appeals were filed under section 26 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, challenging an order passed by the Adjudicating Authority. Notice was issued to the Respondent, who sought time to file replies, which was granted. The appellants were also given time to file rejoinders subsequently.
3. The appellants sought stay of an order passed by the Adjudicating Authority to harvest crops grown on their agricultural lands. They argued that their livelihood depended on agriculture and that the Respondent had taken symbolic possession without proper notice. The Respondent objected to granting a stay order, claiming physical possession as per law.
4. The Tribunal observed a dispute over physical possession of the attached agricultural lands and crops. To maintain the 'status quo,' both parties were directed to preserve the properties and crops until the next hearing. The appellants were allowed to harvest wheat crops under the supervision of local officers, with certain conditions imposed to safeguard the properties.
5. Directions were issued to both parties to maintain the 'status quo' regarding the immovable properties involved in the appeals. The parties were prohibited from creating third-party rights, disposing of the properties, or changing their nature. The Respondent was to maintain legal and constructive possession, while attachments were to continue.

In conclusion, the Tribunal addressed urgent hearing requests, considered fresh appeals under the PMLA, and resolved disputes over possession of agricultural lands and crops by issuing detailed directions for maintaining the 'status quo' with specific conditions to safeguard the properties involved.

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