The Congress party has claimed that the Supreme Court’s verdict against the extension of tenure for the Enforcement Directorate chief is proof of the government’s misuse of agencies to target opposition leaders and destabilize non-BJP-ruled states. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal stated that his party has always believed the extension was illegal and that the government has been exposed by this decision.
The Supreme Court declared the third extension granted to Enforcement Directorate chief Sanjay Kumar Mishra as illegal and shortened his extended tenure to July 31. Previously, Mishra was expected to remain in office until November 18, 2023. The court, however, affirmed the amendments allowing a maximum of five years for the director’s tenure.
Venugopal stated that the government’s motive was to extend the director’s term through illegal means, and the court’s decision is a clear blow to the government. Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala, who had filed a petition challenging the extension, also called for the court to reconsider its decision on the validity of laws regarding the extension of tenure for ED and CBI directors.