Designation of Sessions Court

## Report on Amendment to Notification Regarding Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to a notification concerning the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The amendment, issued by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and dated August 16, 2022, modifies the jurisdiction of specific courts in Telangana for handling PMLA cases. The key finding is that the amendment substitutes the entries related to S.No. 25 in the original notification, reassigning jurisdiction for PMLA cases across various courts in the State of Telangana. This amendment aims to ensure appropriate and efficient allocation of cases related to money laundering offenses across different courts within the state. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative overview and analysis of the notification S.O. 4042(E), dated August 16, 2022, which constitutes an amendment to an earlier notification pertaining to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The analysis is based solely on the information provided in the notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification amends the original notification S.O. 372(E) dated February 5, 2016, which was further amended by S.O. No. 1420(E) dated 05.05.2017. * **Core Objective (Inferred):** To delineate and/or adjust the jurisdictional authority of designated courts within the State of Telangana for cases arising under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Rationale for Amendment:** The amendment appears to be driven by a need to refine and redistribute the caseload of PMLA cases across different courts in Telangana. This could be due to factors such as changes in the volume of cases, the establishment of new courts, or the need to optimize the specialization of courts in handling specific types of offenses (e.g., CBI cases, SPE ACB cases, Economic Offences). The amendment suggests an effort to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial process for PMLA-related matters within the state. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment specifically focuses on substituting entries related to S.No. 25 in the original notification's table. The changes directly impact the designated courts in Telangana and their respective jurisdictions: * **Specific Part Changed:** The table entry corresponding to S.No. 25 in the original notification S.O. 372(E) dated February 5, 2016. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amended notification provides a new list of courts in Telangana, along with their respective jurisdictions for PMLA cases. These courts include: * Court of Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Hyderabad * Court of Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Cyberabad * Court of Principal Special Judge for trial of CBI cases, Hyderabad * Court of I Additional Special Judge for trial of CBI cases, Hyderabad * Court of II Additional Special Judge for trail of CBI cases, Hyderabad * Court of III Additional Special Judge for trail of CBI cases, Hyderabad * Court of I Additional Special Judge for SPE ACB cases at Hyderabad * Court of Special Judge for trial of cases under Economic Offences cumXXII Addl. Chief Judge, Hyderabad * Court of I Addl. Metropolitan Sessions Judges, Hyderabad * Court of II Addl. Metropolitan Sessions Judges, Hyderabad * Court of IV Addl. Metropolitan Sessions Judges, Hyderabad * Court of VII Addl. Metropolitan Sessions Judges, Hyderabad * Court of VIII Addl. Metropolitan Sessions Judges, Hyderabad Each of these courts is granted jurisdiction over "The entire State of Telangana." * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The amendment ensures that all listed courts in Telangana have jurisdiction over PMLA cases arising from the entire state. This implies a broader authority for these courts compared to what might have been in place under the original notification. This also likely addresses any previous ambiguity or limitations regarding their geographical jurisdiction within the state. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders affected by these changes include: * The courts in Telangana listed in the amended notification. * Law enforcement agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Special Police Establishment Anti-Corruption Bureau (SPE ACB), operating in Telangana. * Individuals and entities involved in cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act within the State of Telangana. * Legal professionals practicing in courts handling PMLA cases in Telangana. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance is the primary responsible body for issuing and implementing this amendment. The Chief Justice of the High Court of Telangana was consulted. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The amendment comes into effect on the date of its notification (August 16, 2022). Specific procedures for transferring or re-allocating existing cases, if any, are not detailed in the text, but would likely be determined by the High Court and the concerned courts. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of these specific changes are: * **Streamlined Case Allocation:** More efficient allocation of PMLA cases across various courts in Telangana, potentially reducing backlogs and improving the speed of judicial proceedings. * **Clarity in Jurisdiction:** Clearer definition of the geographical jurisdiction of the specified courts, eliminating any potential disputes or ambiguities. * **Enhanced Specialization:** Potentially allowing for the development of specialized expertise within the courts handling specific types of PMLA cases (e.g., those involving CBI or ACB investigations, or Economic Offences). * **Improved Efficiency:** Overall improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial process for PMLA cases in the State of Telangana. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the notification concerning the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, represents a targeted effort to refine the jurisdictional authority of courts in Telangana. By clarifying and expanding the jurisdiction of designated courts, the amendment aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of handling PMLA cases within the state. This will have a direct impact on the functioning of the involved courts, law enforcement agencies, and individuals involved in PMLA cases in Telangana. The changes made are significant for anyone operating in or affected by the PMLA within the state.

Key Entities Referenced