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Punjab: Sanjeev Arora moves HC, challenges ED arrest under PMLA
Sanjeev Arora filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging his ED arrest under the PMLA, calling the action illegal and politically motivated. The ED had registered an ECIR on May 5 based on an FIR from April 18, conducted searches in April, and later sought remand; Arora sought quashing of the remand order and grounds of arrest. The court deferred further arguments to May 14 as the case progresses.
Why It Matters
The petition underscores alleged political vendetta claims and challenges to ED procedures in a high-profile financial probe, raising questions about due process and the use of PMLA in Punjab politics.
Timeline
8 Events
Hearing deferred to May 14
May 13, 2026
The bench deferred the hearing to May 14 for further arguments, as reported on the article's publication date.
Arora moves Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking relief
May 12, 2026
Sanjeev Arora moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging his ED arrest under the PMLA, seeking quashing of the May 9 remand order and challenging the grounds of arrest; his counsel argued political vendetta and parity with two Rajya Sabha members who had shifted political allegiance.
Chandigarh residence searches; remand order filed in Gurugram
May 9, 2026
ED officials conducted searches at Arora's Chandigarh residence and seized material; reports indicate the arrest was recorded around 4 pm on May 9; the Special PMLA court in Gurugram issued the May 9 remand order related to the case.
Arrest of Sanjeev Arora by ED
May 8, 2026
Sanjeev Arora was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate under the PMLA on May 8, 2026.
ECIR registered by ED
May 5, 2026
The Enforcement Directorate registered an enforcement case information report (ECIR) on May 5, 2026 based on the FIR lodged on April 18, 2026.
ED FEMA attachment following April searches
April 19, 2026
The ED provisionally attached bank accounts and immovable properties for 180 days under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) after the April searches.
Searches conducted at multiple locations (April 17–19 window)
April 19, 2026
Authorities conducted searches between April 17 and April 19 at Sanjeev Arora's Ludhiana residence, the Gurgaon residence of his son Kavya Arora, and the office of Hampton Sky Realty Limited (HSRL); no incriminating documents recovered; Arora claimed he had not been given a copy of the FIR registered on April 18.
FIR lodged in Gurugram against Sanjeev Arora
April 18, 2026
An FIR was lodged at Gurugram's Udyog Vihar police station on April 18, 2026, the basis for later ED action and ECIR registration.