Thread by @barandbench

#DelhiHighCourt is hearing @amazon plea challenging #EnforcementDirectorate investigation into its deal with Future Group. The American e-commerce giant has termed the investigation a "fishing and roving excercise".
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Justice Rekha Palli is presiding.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for Centre, ASG SV Raju for Enforcement Directorate.
Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra appears for Amazon.

Luthra: They have sought details about internal documents, legal opinions sought by us.
@amazon #AmazonvED

Bench: You are supposed to cooperate with them.
Luthra: Yes but only if they have jurisdiction.
@amazon #AmazonvED

Bench: We are in the business of wholesale trading. We are a subsidiary and have nothing to do with Future Group. They have decided to inquire into us. This has been going on for a long time. They want all the details about investigation into Bangalore as well.

Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan is seen handing over some money to a person in his chamber.
Luthra jokes: Hope ED will not investigate this.

Lawyers interject.
Bench: Let Mr. Luthra make his submissions.
@amazon #AmazonvED

Luthra: Karnataka branch was already conducting its investigation. In February, the head office started giving directions.
@amazon #AmazonvED

Luthra: If I am seeking some legal opinion. Do they have the right to seek information on that? These details have nothing to do with investment in Future. We are a subsidiary. See the perversity of this agency.
@amazon #AmazonvED

Luthra: It really belies reasoning.
Bench: Is it your point that you have nothing to do with the other compnay? If yes, tell them. What is the trouble?

Sr Advocate Rajiv Nayar (for Amazon): They asked one of our employee who has 2-year-old child to come to them.

Bench: We will not tolerate this. That letter was uncalled for.
SG: We share that concern and will convey it.

Luthra reads ED's letter which sought details from Amazon including the employee's details, advocates hired.

Luthra: They have sought details of all legal matters along with names. My point is can they ask for this in law? If not, then it has to stop somewhere.

Luthra: They are not acting on their own intelligence.

Luthra: The first point is jurisdictional.
Bench points that the judgment being relied upon has not been supplied.
Bench: Come after two-three weeks.
Luthra: Then please ask them to hold their hand.

Bench: I am not convinced with what you have said.

Luthra: Your Lordship can have this next week. My request is they should not be allowed to seek details of my legal advice and not force us to appear physically.

Bench: You have time to go all over the Press but you don't have the courtesy to share the judgement. I read it in December that this case is listed.

Bench dictates order.

Counsel seeks to rely on several judgments of which copies were circulated today morning. Hearing is deferred. List on January 12.

Oral understanding on no one would be asked to come to Delhi remains.
ASG Raju says ED will hold its hand till Covid situation betters.
Bench: You don't need to hold your hand on other aspects. Just don't force them to come to Delhi.

ASG agrees.
Hearing ends.