Supreme Court warns ED against overstepping authority in Vijayan case

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a stern warning to the Enforcement Directorate, directing it to refrain from exceeding its jurisdictional limits or meddling with the authority of other investigative agencies. The observation came while the apex court heard arguments in a plea filed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and co-accused seeking relief against a single judge's order dated October 9.

Convening in a special sitting during the Dussehra break, the Supreme Court bench allowed the appellants to challenge the lower court's decision. The plea against Vijayan and others relates to an ongoing investigation by the ED, which has been examining allegations of financial impropriety.

The court's cautionary note underscores concerns about potential jurisdictional overreach by investigative agencies in conducting probes. Such warnings from the apex court are typically issued when there are indications that an agency may be exceeding its mandate or interfering with the prerogatives of other constitutional bodies or agencies.

The case assumes significance given Vijayan's position as Chief Minister and the broader implications for the autonomy of state governments in their dealings with central investigative bodies. The Supreme Court's intervention reflects the judiciary's role in maintaining the constitutional balance of power between various institutions.