Black-money: SC issues notice to Centre

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Centre on a plea seeking disclosure of certain vital documents in connection with the issue of black-money stashed in foreign banks.

The apex court sought the response from the government on allegations by eminent jurist Ram Jethmalani and others that authorities were withholding vital documents relating to the case.

Meanwhile, Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium placed before a bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, the status report, in sealed cover, relating to investigations carried by the Enforcement Directorate against Pune-based businessman Hasan Ali Khan against whom the Directorate has lodged a complaint for violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

During the hearing, the SG said the status report will indicate that Letters Rogatories have been issued to some countries in connection with the case of Khan.

The court posted the matter for hearing in December.

The PIL filed by Jethmalanai and five others, including former Punjab DGP K P S Gill and former Secretary General of Lok Sabha Subhash Kashyap, have alleged that the government was not taking action to bring back black-money stashed in foreign banks.