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Synopsis

The Bombay High Court has extended the interim relief from arrest that was granted to IRS Officer and Former Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede until March 27 in the money laundering case registered against him.

The division bench, consisting of Justice PD Naik and Justice NR Borkar, is currently hearing Wankhede's petition to quash the money laundering case filed against him.

The division bench adjourned the hearing today after the Enforcement Directorate requested time to file a short reply.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for the petition filed by Sameer Wankhede on March 27, 2024.

In an earlier hearing, on February 20th, the Enforcement Directorate had stated that it would refrain from arresting Wankhede until March 1, as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was to appear on behalf of the agency.

The ED has accused him of allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs. 25 crores from Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, in return for not framing his son in the Cordelia Drugs Cruise Ship Case.

On the previous hearing on 15th February, after the agency had made a statement that it would not arrest Wankhede till 20th February.

During the hearing before the high court on 13th February, the agency informed the high court that the money laundering case was transferred to Delhi and that Wankhede should approach appropriate courts for relief in Delhi.

The Enforcement Directorate initiated the case against Wankhede after the CBI filed an FIR against him.

The FIR filed by CBI alleged offences under sections 7 (bribery), 7A (undue advantage to influence a public servant by illegal means), and 12 (abetment) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 388 (extortion) of the Indian Penal Code

The case relates to the investigation initiated by the NCB Unit of Mumbai, which conducted a drug seizure from a cruise heading to Goa from Mumbai. The NCB arrested 20 individuals, including Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan.

Wankhede has sought interim protection from arrest until the high court hears his petition.

Case title: Sameer Wankhede vs ED.