National News
‘Stringent, higher standard’: SC upholds validity of PMLA provision on arrest
The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the validity of Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which postulates the manner of arrest of a person involved in money laundering, saying that safeguards are provided in the Act and the preconditions to be fulfilled by the authorised officer before effecting arrest, are equally stringent and of higher standard.
A bench, headed by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and comprising Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and C.T. Ravikumar said: “We have no hesitation in upholding the validity of Section 19 of the 2002 Act. We reject the grounds pressed into service to declare Section 19 of the 2002 Act as unconstitutional.”
The bench added that such a provision has reasonable nexus with the purposes and objects sought to be achieved by the Act of prevention of money laundering and confiscation of proceeds of crime involved in money laundering, including to prosecute persons involved in the process or activity connected with the proceeds of crime.
The PMLA is a comprehensive legislation, not limited to provide for prosecution of persons involved in the offence of money laundering, but mainly intended to prevent money laundering activity and confiscate the proceeds of crime involved in money laundering, it said.
The bench added that this legislation is an amalgam of different facets including setting up of agencies and mechanisms for coordinating measures for combating money laundering.
“It is not as if after every inquiry, prosecution is launched against all persons found to be involved in the commission of offence of money laundering. It is also not unusual to provide for the arrest of a person during such inquiry before filing of a complaint for indulging in alleged criminal activity,” it noted.
The top court said it is, thus, obliging the person to be obedient to law. “The safeguards provided in the 2002 Act and the preconditions to be fulfilled by the authorised officer before effecting arrest, as contained in Section 19 of the 2002 Act, are equally stringent and of higher standard,” added the bench, in its 545-page judgment.
The top court said safeguards ensure that the authorised officers do not act arbitrarily, but make them accountable for their judgment about the necessity to arrest any person as being involved in the commission of offence of money laundering even before filing of the complaint before the special court under Section 44(1)(b) of the 2002 Act.
“Suffice it to observe that this power has been given to the high-ranking officials with further conditions to ensure that there is objectivity and their own accountability in resorting to arrest of a person even before a formal complaint is filed under Section 44(1)(b) of the 2002 Act.
“Investing of power in the high-ranking officials in this regard has stood the test of reasonableness.”
The top court clarified that the authorities under the 2002 Act are not police officers.
“Ex-consequenti, the statements recorded by authorities under the 2002 Act, of persons involved in the commission of the offence of money laundering or the witnesses for the purposes of inquiry/investigation, cannot be hit by the vice of Article 20(3) of the Constitution or for that matter, Article 21 being procedure established by law,” it added.
The bench noted that in a given case, whether the protection given to the accused who is being prosecuted for the offence of money laundering, of Section 25 of the Evidence Act is available or not, may have to be considered on a case-to-case basis being the rule of evidence.
The petitioners had argued that the procedure being followed under the PMLA is draconian as it violates the basic tenets of the criminal justice system and the rights enshrined in Part III of the Constitution, in particular Articles 14, 20 and 21.
Crime
Navi Mumbai: Four Booked for Assault and Sexual Harassment Of 18-Year-Old Girl In Sanpada

Navi Mumbai, October 23: Four persons have been booked for allegedly sexually harassing and assaulting an 18-year-old girl after forcibly entering her residence in Sanpada, police said on Thursday.
According to officials from the Sanpada Police Station, the incident took place on the night of October 20 when one of the accused, who had earlier claimed to be in love with the victim, arrived at her home along with three associates.
The group allegedly barged into the house, confronted the girl, and touched her inappropriately. When the victim resisted and asked them to leave, one of the men reportedly attacked her with an iron rod, causing injuries.
During the altercation, the victim’s brother tried to intervene but was also physically assaulted by the accused. The group fled the scene soon after the incident, police said.
Following a complaint, a case was registered against four persons, two of whom are yet to be identified. They have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for sexual harassment, assault, and house trespass, officials confirmed.
As of Thursday, no arrests have been made in the case. The police have launched a manhunt to trace the accused, and further investigation is underway.
Authorities said the statements of the victim and witnesses have been recorded, and medical examination reports are awaited.
“The accused will be arrested soon. We are verifying their backgrounds and gathering evidence,” an officer from Sanpada Police Station said.
National News
‘Modi’s Mission’: New book on Prime Minister’s journey from Vadnagar to PMO to be unveiled tomorrow

New Delhi, Oct 23: A new book titled ‘Modi Mission’ is set to join the list of biographies written about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s extraordinary life and political journey and will be unveiled in Mumbai on Friday.
The book, penned by noted writer Berjis Desai, chronicles PM Modi’s extraordinary personal journey from a humble childhood in Vadnagar to the Prime Minister’s office (PMO).
The book will be released by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, and the event will be attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis, besides other high-profile dignitaries.
According to the writer, ‘Modi’s Mission’ is not a biography but a story of ideas. In the book, he discusses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emergence as an instrument of national awakening despite insurmountable odds and innumerable challengers.
The book discusses formative experiences from PM Modi’s childhood and youth that have shaped his socio-economic philosophy and his outlook on governance. The book seeks to ‘expose’ the falsehoods circulated by a section of the intellectual elite about PM Modi to ‘derail’ governance.
The book also provides a comprehensive yet accessible account of PM Modi’s consistent efforts to strengthen India’s civilizational pride and create an efficient welfare state.
It also sheds light on how PM Modi’s leadership raised India’s collective consciousness and ensured transparent, result-oriented governance. From the formalisation of the Indian economy to the abrogation of Article 370, the book outlines PM Modi’s methodical approach for undertaking momentous decisions.
Notably, the author Berjis Desai is a Mumbai-based lawyer and writer. He has authored multiple books, including the critically acclaimed books on Parsi culture — ‘Oh! Those Parsis’ and ‘The Bawaji’. The book ‘Modi Mission’ has been published by Rupa Publications.
In advance praise for the book, the country’s leading industrialist, Anand Mahindra, said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the most closely watched leaders of the 21st century. This book explores how, anchored by an unmistakable love for our country, he has sought to lift its place in the world with relentless energy.”
National News
Bhai Dooj 2025: Raj Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray Unite To Celebrate The Festival With Sister Jaywanti In Mumbai

Mumbai, October 23: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray celebrated Bhai Dooj with their sister Jaywanti Thackeray Deshpande at their residence in Dadar on Thursday.
The Thackeray siblings were seen together as Jaywanti Thackeray Deshpande performed the traditional tilak ceremony, marking the festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The occasion coincided with the conclusion of Diwali festivities across the state.
The images from the celebration, which surfaced on social media, captured a warm family moment shared by the prominent political family in Maharashtra.
In Pune, Minister of State (MoS) Murlidhar Mohol also celebrated Bhai Dooj with his sister. Sharing a video of the celebration, Mohol extended greetings to people on the occasion.
“This is part of our rich culture. During the festival of Diwali, we also celebrate Bhai Dooj, a sacred festival that honours the unique bond between brothers and sisters. I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone on this occasion of Bhai Dooj,” he said.
Bhai Dooj, celebrated two days after Diwali, symbolises the affection and protection shared between brothers and sisters. The day is marked across India with traditional rituals, prayers, and family gatherings.
With political leaders and citizens alike celebrating the occasion, Bhai Dooj once again served as a reminder of the enduring strength of family ties and cultural traditions in Maharashtra.
-
Crime3 years ago
Class 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Maharashtra1 year ago
Mumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations
-
Maharashtra1 year ago
Mumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City
-
Maharashtra1 year ago
False photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy
-
National News1 year ago
Ministry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal
-
Maharashtra11 months ago
Maharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day
-
National News1 year ago
J&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface
-
Crime1 year ago
Baba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report