The Madras High Court halts Enforcement Directorate actions against film producer Akash Bhaskaran and businessman Vikram Ravindran, citing lack of jurisdiction and orders immediate return of seized items. Learn how this ruling impacts ED’s authority.

Madras High Court Halts ED Proceedings Against Film Producer

In a significant judicial development on June 20, 2025, the Madras High Court put a stay on all actions initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against prominent film producer Akash Bhaskaran and businessman Vikram Ravindran.

The court ordered the ED to return all items seized during their searches, declaring that the investigative agency acted without legal jurisdiction.

Court Rules ED Search Unauthorized

The judicial bench, comprising Justice MS Ramesh and Justice V Lakshminarayan, emphasized that the basis of the ED’s raids lacked credible evidence. According to the judges, the materials presented by the ED did not demonstrate any grounds for investigation or seizure.

“At first glance, the respondents’ authorization and search are entirely outside their jurisdiction because no incriminating material was present,” the bench observed.

ED’s Request for Appeal Rejected

Despite efforts by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju to secure a three-week stay on the order for an appeal, the court denied the request. The court made it clear that continuing ED activity would contradict its ruling.

Phones Seized by ED: Cloning Request Denied

ED’s Special Public Prosecutor Zoheb Hussain informed the court that some mobile phones seized from the petitioners had not been cloned. He requested permission to do so before returning them.

The court rejected this, stating that any further action would undermine the integrity of its ruling.

ED Admits to Overstepping Authority

During the previous hearing, the court questioned whether the ED could legally seal premises that were closed during a search. The ED admitted it had no authority to do so.

The agency also informed the bench that it was prepared to withdraw the notices issued to the petitioners, further supporting the claim that the search was unwarranted.