Supreme Court Of India Holds That An Opportunity Of Hearing To The Accused Before Taking Cognizance Applies To Proceedings Under The Prevention Of Money Laundering Act, 2002

The Supreme Court of India has held that an accused must be given an opportunity of hearing before a court takes cognizance of a complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). The Court ruled that the procedural safeguards under Section 223(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) apply to PMLA proceedings. It set aside a cognizance order passed without hearing the accused, reinforcing principles of natural justice and fair trial rights.