Bombay HC Quashes PMLA Case Against Chamankar Brothers in Maharashtra Sadan Scam

Quick Summary

• The Bombay High court quashed a money-laundering case under the PMLA (2016) against Krishna and Prasanna Chamankar, developers linked to the Maharashtra Sadan scam.
• The scam involved alleged irregularities in construction contracts awarded during Chhagan Bhujbal’s tenure as Maharashtra’s Public Works department Minister.
• A special Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) court discharged the Chamankar brothers in 2021, citing no material evidence of wrongdoing; this discharge was not appealed.
• The High Court ruling cited the Supreme court’s precedent that money-laundering charges cannot persist if ther is no predicate offense established.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Bombay High Court’s decision to quash money-laundering charges against the Chamankar brothers underscores a notable precedent set by the Supreme Court regarding PMLA proceedings being contingent on predicate offences. this ruling could have broader implications for similar cases where primary charges lack considerable proof or legal finality. It also raises questions about prosecutorial consistency and oversight, given that failure to challenge key lower-court rulings can influence higher judicial decisions. Importantly,while legal clarity has been provided in this instance,ensuring accountability in governance remains crucial as public contracts directly affect citizens’ welfare and trust.

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