Opposition parties celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision deeming the third extension of Enforcement Directorate (ED) chief Sanjay Kumar Mishra’s tenure illegal. However, Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed their rejoicing, calling them “delusional.” In a tweet, Shah asserted that the ED would continue to target corrupt individuals and those on the wrong side of the law. He emphasized that the powers of the ED remained unaffected by the court’s decision.
Shah further downplayed the significance of the ED director, stating that the institution itself was focused on investigating money laundering and foreign exchange law violations. He criticized the “cozy club of entitled dynasts” who perpetuated corruption with an anti-development mindset, suggesting that the ED’s role was to expose their wrongdoing, regardless of the director’s identity.
The Supreme Court ruled that Mishra’s extension was illegal and stated that he would continue serving as ED director until July 31. However, the court rejected challenges against amendments to the Central Vigilance Commission Act and the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. The court clarified that while the legislature had the authority to make laws, it could not override the specific mandate prohibiting further extensions.
Congress leader KC Venugopal considered the verdict a “slap on the government,” while Randeep Surjewala hailed it as a “big win for justice and truth.” Surjewala accused the Prime Minister of misusing agencies like the ED against political opponents, claiming that the ED’s harassment weakened democracy.
Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj characterized the court’s decision as a “setback” for the government.
