In Brief

An IAS officer was charged with money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for alleged illegal land allotments, forgery, and corruption while serving as Collector. He argued that his predicate offences occurred before PMLA's 2005 enactment, making the law's application retrospective and unlawful. The Supreme Court dismissed his appeal, holding that money laundering is a continuing offence independent of when the underlying crime occurred. Liability attaches when the accused engages in activities involving laundered proceeds—such as concealment or projection as legitimate funds—after PMLA's enactment. The Court upheld the rejection of his discharge application, finding prima facie evidence of substantial money laundering (proceeds far exceeding Rs. 30 lakhs) requiring full trial.

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