Transfer of PMLA prosecution to the connected corruption trial court, with the legal issue left open.

Proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act were directed to be transferred to the Special Judge (SPE/CBI)-I, Ernakulam, because the connected prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act was already pending there and the Additional Solicitor General stated that the same court was competent to try both matters. The Supreme Court recorded that submission, ordered transfer, and clarified that it had not examined or decided the merits of the underlying legal issue, which was left open.

---

---

Issues: (i) Whether the prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 should be transferred to the Court where the connected prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was pending.

Analysis: The statement of the Additional Solicitor General that the connected court was competent to try both cases was taken on record. On that basis, the Court directed transfer of the prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 to the Special Judge (SPE/CBI)-I, Ernakulam, Kerala, where the case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was already pending. The Court expressly clarified that it had not commented on the merits of the legal issue and that the issue was left open.

Conclusion: The prosecution was ordered to be transferred and the appeal was allowed.

---