Why don't appear at least once before ED? Court asks Thomas Isaac

KOCHI: The High Court has asked former Finance Minister Dr Thomas Isaac to appear at least once before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the KIIFB Masala Bond case. The ED has clarified that the preliminary investigation is going on and the summons has been issued only to inquire about certain matters. Justice Devan Ramachandran verbally said that there will be no arrest, threat or humiliation and there is no reason to worry because the events will be recorded in the video platform.

This proposal also takes into consideration the orders of the Supreme Court in the Sahara and Niharika cases. Supreme Court lawyer Jayadeep Gupta, who appeared for Thomas Isaac, said that he would give his stand on Monday.

The petitions filed by Thomas Isaac and KIIFB are under consideration challenging the summons issued by the ED to gather evidence and testify to find out whether there is any violation of the Foreign Exchange Act (FEMA) in the Masala bond deal.

Supreme Court advocate Arvind P. Datar, appearing for KIIFB, explained that all the documents have been provided and the old matters are being demanded. Court directed to produce certified documents. The court reiterated that the first step is to respond to the summons. The time limit of the summons was also extended by one week.