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2021 (6) TMI 990 - HC - Money LaunderingMoney Laundering - illegal diversion of funds - schedule offence - supply of Gold Bullion or there was only paper transaction - Section 33 of the Sale of Goods Act - HELD THAT:- In the case at hand, the picture is totally different. The criminal Court can independently come to a conclusion that the 22 fixed deposits were proceeds of crime and they were projected as untainted money from MJPL (A3) and Suresh Khatri (A4). The other distinguishing feature in this case is that, the total proceeds of crime is ₹ 318.75crores, out of which, the 22 fixed deposits represent only ₹ 143crores and for the balance amount which has gone into the kitty of MJPL (A3), they can be prosecuted as abettors of the offence of money laundering committed by KGPL (A1). Lastly, the order of the Adjudicating Authority in this case, has not attained finality and the same is pending before the Tribunal and therefore, on this ground too, the criminal prosecution cannot be quashed. In a simple private complaint case, the Magistrate may not have any materials dehors the sworn statement of the complainant to take cognizance of the offences alleged in the complaint. In such cases, it will be desirable, if the Magistrate passes an order giving reasons for taking cognizance of the offence and issuing process. In this case, along with the complaint, the Enforcement Directorate has filed 56 documents and also the statements recorded under the PML Act, in support of the allegations in the complaint - The prosecution has to prove the offence, by adducing evidence and this opportunity has to be given to the prosecution in this case too. The prosecution of MJPL (A3) and Suresh Khatri (A4) cannot be said to be unfounded - Petition dismissed.
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