During a hearing today on petitions contesting the validity of various PMLA provisions, the Supreme Court maintained the ED's powers of investigation, arrest, and property attachment. In reaching its decision, the bench stated that because investigation agencies like the ED, Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are not police, the comments made to them throughout the course of their inquiries are admissible evidence. 'According to CrPC, ED employees are not police officers. Statements made in front of ED personnel are admissible as proof ',The bench said. However, the government has defended the Act, asserting that it is a special statute with its own processes and protections.
