ED introduces mechanism for verification of authenticity of its summons
Enforcement Directorate
Now summons will bear a QR code & a unique passcode at the bottom
by Inder Vashisth
New Delhi, Nov. 15 (Delhi Crown): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has introduced a new mechanism for verification of authenticity of the summons issued by it.
The development assumes significance in the aftermath of a recent case wherein certain “unscrupulous” persons had sent summons to individuals with the motive of cheating or extortion.
Investigations were conducted in these cases of fraud by ED and recently four persons were arrested by Delhi Police on the basis of complaint filed by ED. These persons were involved in issuing fake notice for appearance, impersonating as ED officers.
The fake summons are often similar to the genuine summons issued by ED, and hence it is difficult for the individuals to distinguish between the fake and genuine summons.
Generally, ED summons are issued under the provisions of Section 50(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), and Section 37 of Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA).
Now, the new summons to be issued under the new mechanism shall bear a QR code and a unique passcode at the bottom of the summons.
The receiver of the summons can verify the authenticity of the summons by scanning the QR code printed on the summons and entering the unique Passcode on the website page of ED (which will open after scanning the QR code) after 24 hours of receipt of the same (excluding public holidays, Saturdays and Sundays).
