- The Karnataka High Court observed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cannot act as a 'super cop' or transcend its statutory boundaries under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). - The court emphasized that central investigative agencies must operate strictly within the framework of their delegated mandates without encroaching upon general law and order or state police jurisdictions. - The ruling reinforces the principle of judicial oversight and checks and balances on the powers of investigative agencies. - **Enforcement Directorate:** A central financial investigation agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, responsible for enforcing economic laws like the PMLA and FEMA in India. - **Prevention of Money Laundering Act:** A criminal law enacted to prevent money laundering, provide for the confiscation of property derived from it, and empower agencies like the ED with broad arrest and seizure powers. - **Karnataka High Court:** A constitutional court exercising judicial review over executive actions and central investigative agencies within its territorial jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution. **Introduction** The Karnataka High Court held that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is not a 'super cop' and must operate strictly within its statutory jurisdiction under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ruling underscores the limits of central investigative powers and reinforces judicial oversight over executive enforcement actions. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - The Karnataka High Court observed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cannot act as a 'super cop' or transcend its statutory boundaries under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). - The court emphasized that central investigative agencies must operate strictly within the framework of their delegated mandates without encroaching upon general law and order or state police jurisdictions. - The ruling reinforces the principle of judicial oversight and checks and balances on the powers of investigative agencies. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Enforcement Directorate:** A central financial investigation agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, responsible for enforcing economic laws like the PMLA and FEMA in India. - **Prevention of Money Laundering Act:** A criminal law enacted to prevent money laundering, provide for the confiscation of property derived from it, and empower agencies like the ED with broad arrest and seizure powers. - **Karnataka High Court:** A constitutional court exercising judicial review over executive actions and central investigative agencies within its territorial jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution.