Enforcement Directorate
Powers and Constitutional Status
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is a law enforcement agency under the Ministry of Finance, responsible for enforcing two key statutes: the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. The ED conducts searches, seizures, arrests, and prosecutions in connection with money laundering and foreign exchange offences. It is not a police force but exercises quasi-judicial powers alongside investigative functions.
- Under PMLA, the ED can search and seize property without a magistrate's warrant if it has reason to believe an offence has been committed (Section 17, PMLA).
- Obstructing an ED search is an offence under Section 63 of PMLA.
- The ED reports to the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and is not under state government control.
- Article 32 of the Constitution allows direct petition to the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights.
● Tracked since February 18, 2026 · last seen April 22, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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