Question Q13GS2GS2

Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED)

Introduction

Enforcement Directorate is financial watchdog of Ministry of Finance responsible for investigation and prosecution of financial funds under PMLA 2002 and FEMA Act

23 words

Main Body

Watchdog against impropriety:

1Use of Financial Zeal to touch malicious transaction and take actions

2Implement PMLA 2002 and FEMA conducting raids, preparing ELCR and prosecution

3Sequest assets of accused and also lead under Benami Transaction Act

Controversy around ED: [Title shows 'Controversy around ED']

1Use to settle political scores: Raids in Median House, Ministers of States to settle political rivalry and drive public opinion; E.g. Raid at Tamil Nadu Minister House

2Arbitrary case: Wide discretion has led to seization of over thousands case but avoids only 6.9% - raided

3Low Conviction Rate: Of 1132 trials only 26 convicted/arrest pending or disposed off, reflecting politically motivated cases

4Seizer of Assets: Seizure of assets by ED pronounced citing at not backed by strong evidence

Controversy around ED [continued]:

1Use to settle political scores: Raids in Median House, Ministers of States to settle political rivalry and drive public opinion; E.g. Raid at Tamil Nadu Minister House

2Arbitrary case: Wide discretion has led to seization of over thousands case but avoids only 6.9% - raided

3Low Conviction Rate: Of 1132 trials only 26 convicted/arrest pending or disposed off, reflecting politically motivated cases

4Seizure of Assets: Seizure of assets by ED pronounced citing at not backed by strong evidence

5Chairperson Tenure: Chairperson not extended to possible 3-year, 2-year extension possible. This can lead to compromised appointment, Independent appointment at CBI → Deficient of Board → Transparencing in Investigation ≠ No Arbitration

Zeal Actions: Leading to fast disposal of cases, Erroneous cases - strict punishment, Conscent, In partial Judiciary of watchdogs which ED is key to realizing goal of 'Aamit Kaal' and 'Corruption-Free Zalam'

280 words6 paragraphs

Conclusion

Ensuring a partial judiciary of watchdogs which ED is key to realizing goal of 'Aamit Kaal' and 'Corruption-Free Zalam' Ensuring a partial Judiciary of watchdogs which ED is key to realizing goal of 'Aamit Kaal' and 'Corruption-Free Zalam'

38 words

Diagram

Flow diagram showing Zeal Actions branching to: fast disposal of cases, erroneous cases leading to strict punishment, Conscent, and Partial Judiciary

Comprehensive coverage of ED's role and controversies
Balanced perspective showing both function and misuse
Statistical evidence (6.9% conviction rate, 26 convictions out of 1132 trials)
Real-world examples (Tamil Nadu Minister House raids)
Clear structure with point-wise breakdown
Statistical evidence provided
Clear enumeration of controversies
Specific examples cited
Discusses institutional aspects of ED leadership
Links to broader governance issues
Attempts to provide conclusion

Open original scan

Page 29

Topper

ADITYA HRIDAY UPADHYAY

AIR 1542025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive

Regulatory and Executive Accountability

Enforcement Directorate and Rule of Law

Writing Stats

341

Total words

Paragraphs

Critical and analytical

Tone