The Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) has issued a fresh notification amending the list of Special Courts under the Prevention of Money-laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in the State of Gujarat. The amendment aims to streamline the adjudication of money laundering cases by expanding the jurisdiction of designated courts.
The notification, S.O. 4049(E) dated 23rd July 2026, has been issued under Section 43(1) of the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002, in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court of Gujarat.
What Has Changed?
The Central Government has amended its earlier notification S.O. 372(E) dated 5th February 2016 by adding two new entries for Gujarat in the table specifying Special Courts and their territorial jurisdiction.
1. CBI Special Courts at Ahmedabad
All CBI Special Courts functioning at the City Civil and Sessions Court, Bhadra, Ahmedabad have now been designated to hear:
- Cases where the scheduled (predicate) offences are investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) ; or
- Cases specifically directed by the High Court of Gujarat .
This amendment ensures that PMLA proceedings arising from CBI investigations are handled by the designated CBI Special Courts in Ahmedabad.
2. Principal District Judge, Surat
The notification also designates the Principal District Judge, Surat , as a Special Court under the PMLA for cases arising from the following districts:
- Surat
- Navsari
- Valsad
- Tapi
- Bharuch
This is expected to improve regional access to PMLA courts and reduce dependence on courts located in other parts of the state.
Legal Basis
The amendment has been made by exercising powers under Section 43(1) of the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 , which empowers the Central Government to designate one or more Courts of Session as Special Courts for conducting trials of offences punishable under the Act.
The notification was issued after consultation with the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court , as required under the law.
Why This Matters
The addition of these Special Courts is expected to:
- Strengthen the infrastructure for speedy disposal of PMLA cases.
- Provide dedicated jurisdiction for money laundering cases linked to CBI investigations .
- Improve judicial accessibility for litigants from South Gujarat districts.
- Enhance the efficiency of enforcement proceedings under the Prevention of Money-laundering Act.
The move forms part of the government's continued efforts to strengthen the judicial framework for handling financial crime and money laundering cases across the country.
Official Notification Details
- Notification No.: S.O. 4049(E)
- Date: 23 July 2026
- Issued By: Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue
- Statute: Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002
- Provision Invoked: Section 43(1)
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