ED in clear violation of Supreme Court directions

New Delhi (Report : Matiur Rehman Aziz) – The process of auctioning the properties of Heera Group of Companies by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) which was initiated despite the clear directions of the Supreme Court, is not only a grave violation of court orders but also shows that the department has become a plaything in the hands of anti-social elements and land mafias. The Supreme Court had made it clear in its previous order that any action in the Heera Group case should be taken only after a full hearing and trial in the PMLA court. However, the ED, ignoring this order, started the auction of the properties of the Heera Group, which is not only against the court’s respect but also appears to be part of a well-thought-out conspiracy. The Supreme Court had allowed the auction of two properties of the Heera Group on November 11, 2024, but this permission was conditional on the auction process being transparent and under the supervision of the court, so that the affected investors get their rights. However, the ED, ignoring the spirit of this court order, started the auction of the properties in a hurry, without the trial in the PMLA court being completed. This act is not only a contempt of court orders but also shows an attempt to trample on the rights of the investors of the Heera Group.

The ED’s actions against the Heera Group make it clear that the department’s aim is not only to financially destroy the Heera Group but also to cause hardship to millions of investors through it. According to reports, the number of investors who have filed complaints against the Heera Group is not more than a few thousand, but the ED and the Serious Financial Investigation Office (SFIO) have prepared a fake list by including the name of the same person multiple times. This is not only exaggerating the investors’ claims of money but also trying to harm the Heera Group by making it an unfair target. This act shows that the ED is misusing its power to fulfill the agenda of anti-social elements. The ED’s attempt to sell the Heera Group properties at exorbitant prices is being seen as a well-planned conspiracy. If these properties, which are said to be worth around Rs 200 crore, are sold at a lower price, not only will the Heera Group suffer financial losses but the investors will also not get their due compensation. Besides, the ED also ignored the direction to hire a government-approved valuer to determine the fair value of the properties before auctioning them, which is another violation of the Supreme Court order. The investors of Heera Group, who are already facing financial difficulties, are facing further hardships due to this illegal action of the ED. The Supreme Court had made it clear that the purpose of the auction proceeds is to compensate the investors, but the ED’s hasty and non-transparent procedure does not seem to be fulfilling this purpose. On the contrary, this process can become a means of benefiting land mafias and other anti-social elements, who want to acquire valuable properties at cheap prices with the connivance of government agencies. This action of the ED is not only evidence of unfair action against the Heera Group but also a blatant insult to the law and order system of the country. On the one hand, the Supreme Court issues clear instructions that due process should be followed in the Hera Group case, and on the other hand, the ED is challenging the dignity of the court by taking action of its own accord. This situation indicates that government agencies are abusing their power instead of the rule of law, which is a serious threat to the country’s system. In view of this serious situation, it is necessary to conduct an immediate and impartial investigation into the actions of the ED. The Supreme Court should take strict action against the responsible officers of the ED for violating its orders. At the same time, the auction process of the Hera Group properties should be stopped and completed in a transparent manner and under the supervision of the court, so that the rights of the investors can be protected. This incident is not only a big setback for the investors of the Hera Group but also raises a question mark on the credibility of the judicial system and government institutions of the country. If government agencies act in a manner that is above the law, public confidence in the system will be eroded, posing a major threat to the economic and social development of the country. The Enforcement Directorate’s auction of Heera Group properties, which was initiated without the direction of the Supreme Court and before the trial in the PMLA court, is not only illegal but also shows malice and collusion with anti-social elements on the part of government agencies.