ED expands Special Courts to speed up PMLA trials in Rajasthan, Telangana and other states

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has notified the establishment of additional Special Courts under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in a move aimed at reducing delays in trial proceedings. This step is expected to fast-track pending cases and address the long-standing concerns of Constitutional Courts over the pace of money laundering trials.

In Telangana, the total number of Special Courts has increased to 16, with two courts set up in Visakhapatnam. Rajasthan has seen its count go from one to five, expanding beyond Jaipur to include a Special Court in Jodhpur. Goa will now have a dedicated Special Court for North Goa, whereas earlier, the entire state was covered by just one court.

The ED stated that the establishment of additional courts would enhance the speed and efficiency of trial proceedings under the PMLA. It said, “ This initiative is also expected to address the concerns of the Constitutional Courts regarding delays in money laundering trials.”

The lack of sufficient Special Courts in several states has been a key reason for backlog in PMLA-related cases. The new notifications are expected to plug this gap and ensure better enforcement of anti-money laundering laws.