PMLA Advocate in Delhi | ED & Money Laundering Lawyer in India 

Experienced PMLA Advocate in Delhi for Enforcement Directorate (ED) Investigations, Bail, Attachment Proceedings, Trial and Appeals 

Facing an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation can be one of the most challenging experiences for an individual, business owner, professional, or corporate executive. Unlike ordinary criminal investigations, proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) involve extensive powers of investigation, attachment of assets, search and seizure actions, arrest, prosecution, and long-term financial consequences. A single summons under Section 50 of the PMLA may have implications far beyond the immediate appearance before investigating officers. 

Advocate Rohit Dandriyal provides representation in PMLA and ED matters from the earliest stage of investigation through the final stages of trial and appeal. The focus is not merely on courtroom litigation after prosecution begins, but on strategic legal intervention from the very first point of contact with the Enforcement Directorate. 

Whether the matter involves a Section 50 summons, provisional attachment of property, freezing of bank accounts, search proceedings, arrest under the PMLA, bail applications, trial before the Special PMLA Court, or appellate proceedings, legal advice at the right stage can have a significant impact on the outcome. 

With over a decade of experience in criminal and economic offence litigation, Advocate Rohit Dandriyal regularly appears before the Supreme Court of India, the Delhi High Court, Special Courts, and District Courts. Each matter is handled personally, ensuring direct access to counsel and consistent legal strategy throughout the life cycle of the case. 

About the Chamber 

Counsel for the Entire ED Process, Not Just the Trial 

Many individuals believe they need a lawyer only when a case reaches court. In ED matters, however, some of the most important decisions are made long before any charges are formally framed. A statement recorded during investigation, a response submitted to a summons, or a reply filed against an attachment notice can shape the entire trajectory of the proceedings. The Enforcement Directorate often enters a person’s life long before a courtroom appearance becomes necessary.

The first indication of an investigation may arrive through: 

• A summons under Section 50 of the PMLA. 
• A request for documents. 
• A search of residential or business premises. 
• Freezing of bank accounts. 
• Attachment of property. 
• Summons issued to family members, employees, or business associates. 

This critical phase is where legal strategy matters most. 

Since establishing his chamber in 2015, Advocate Rohit Dandriyal has focused on criminal defence, economic offences, bail litigation, and complex regulatory investigations. His experience in serious criminal cases, including NDPS matters, provides valuable insight into handling PMLA litigation, particularly because both fields involve stringent bail standards and intensive scrutiny by investigating authorities. 

The office is located in Jangpura, New Delhi, enabling quick access to the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court, and key judicial forums where urgent matters frequently arise. 

Professional Profile 

Advocate: Rohit Dandriyal
Year of Enrolment: 2015
Office Location: Jangpura, New Delhi
Courts: Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court, District Courts, Special Courts
Core Practice Areas: 

• Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 
• Enforcement Directorate Matters 
• Bail Litigation 
• NDPS Cases 
• Economic Offences 

Additional Areas: 

• Cyber Crime Cases 
• UAPA Matters 
• Criminal Appeals 
• White Collar Crime Defence 
• Investigation Proceedings

Understanding the PMLA and Enforcement Directorate 

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 was enacted to combat the process of laundering proceeds derived from criminal activity. Under the legislation, the Enforcement Directorate is empowered to investigate instances where property or funds are alleged to be derived from a scheduled offence. 

Unlike conventional criminal investigations, PMLA proceedings often involve parallel actions across multiple agencies. A person may simultaneously face: 

• Investigation by local police. 
• Proceedings before an Economic Offences Wing. 
• CBI investigation. 
• NCB proceedings. 
• Income Tax scrutiny. 
• Enforcement Directorate investigation. 

Because of this overlap, legal representation requires an integrated approach rather than isolated responses to individual proceedings. 

The consequences of a PMLA proceeding may include: 

• Freezing of bank accounts. 
• Attachment of immovable property. 
• Seizure of cash and valuables. 
• Arrest and custody. 
• Restriction on business operations. 
• Criminal prosecution. 
• Confiscation of assets. 

The complexity of the law makes early legal consultation especially important. 

Practice Areas 

1. ED Summons and Section 50 Proceedings 

One of the most common ways individuals become involved in PMLA proceedings is through a summons issued under Section 50. 

A summons may be issued to: 

• Accused persons. 
• Witnesses. 
• Company directors. 
• Employees. 
• Accountants. 
• Consultants. 
• Family members. 
• Third parties connected to a transaction. 

Many recipients mistakenly assume that receiving a summons automatically means they are accused. In reality, the nature of involvement may vary significantly. 

Legal assistance at this stage includes: 

• Reviewing the summons. 
• Evaluating the scope of investigation. 
• Document review. 
• Preparation for appearance. 
• Advice regarding statements. 
• Legal strategy concerning production of records. 
• Protection against procedural irregularities. 

Statements recorded under Section 50 carry significant evidentiary value. Therefore, proper preparation before any appearance is often one of the most important steps in an ED investigation. 

2. Defence During ED Investigation 

Investigations under the PMLA can continue for extended periods. During this stage, individuals may receive repeated summons or requests for information. 

Representation during investigation may involve: 

• Responding to ED notices. 
• Submission of records. 
• Legal analysis of allegations. 
• Clarification of financial transactions. 
• Representation concerning business structures. 
• Protection of procedural rights. 
• Coordination with parallel proceedings. 

In many cases, investigations concern complex financial arrangements involving multiple entities. Careful presentation of factual and legal explanations can be critical in preventing misunderstandings and protecting the client’s position. 

3. Provisional Attachment Orders (PAO) 

One of the most powerful tools available to the Enforcement Directorate is the provisional attachment of assets under Section 5 of the PMLA. 

Property alleged to represent proceeds of crime may include: 

• Residential property. 
• Commercial property. 
• Agricultural land. 
• Bank accounts. 
• Fixed deposits. 
• Securities. 
• Investments. 
• Business assets. 

Attachment can have immediate consequences by restricting the ability to sell, transfer, or otherwise deal with the property. 

Legal representation includes: 

• Examination of attachment orders. 
• Analysis of evidence relied upon by the ED. 
• Challenging the alleged nexus with proceeds of crime. 
• Filing detailed replies. 
• Representation before the Adjudicating Authority. 
• Protection of legitimate ownership claims. 

In many matters, the attachment stage represents the first significant opportunity to contest the ED’s allegations on merits. 

4. Representation Before the PMLA Adjudicating Authority 

After provisional attachment, the matter proceeds before the Adjudicating Authority. 

The Authority examines whether the attachment should be confirmed, modified, or set aside. 

This stage is often crucial because: 

• Financial records can be presented. 
• Ownership disputes can be addressed. 
• Transaction histories can be analysed. 
• Allegations can be challenged before confirmation. 

Representation may involve: 

• Preparation of written submissions. 
• Documentary analysis. 
• Legal research. 
• Oral arguments. 
• Challenging attachment orders. 
• Seeking release of attached assets. 

A carefully prepared defence before the Adjudicating Authority can significantly influence the future course of proceedings. 

5. Search, Seizure and Survey Proceedings 

ED search operations are often conducted without prior warning. 

Searches may target: 

• Homes. 
• Offices. 
• Factories. 
• Warehouses. 
• Bank lockers. 
• Business premises. 

These proceedings frequently create uncertainty and confusion for individuals and businesses affected. 

Legal assistance may be required in relation to: 

• Rights during search proceedings. 
• Documentation of seized material. 
• Examination of procedural compliance. 
• Challenges to irregular action. 
• Post-search representation. 
• Recovery of documents. 

Understanding procedural safeguards becomes particularly important because errors made during searches can have lasting consequences throughout the investigation. 

6. Arrest Under the PMLA 

The PMLA grants the Enforcement Directorate the power to arrest individuals in appropriate cases. 

An arrest may result in: 

• Custodial interrogation. 
• Production before a Special Court. 
• Judicial custody. 
• Bail proceedings. 

Immediate legal action following arrest often becomes critical. 

Representation includes: 

• Arrest-related legal advice. 
• Court appearances. 
• Custody hearings. 
• Bail applications. 
• Investigation monitoring. 
• Constitutional remedies where required. 

Every arrest involves unique factual and legal considerations. Prompt legal intervention is often essential to protect rights and prepare an effective defence. 

7. PMLA Bail and Anticipatory Bail 

One of the Most Important Stages in a PMLA Matter 

Bail litigation forms a major part of PMLA practice because offences under the Act are treated differently from ordinary criminal cases. 

Section 45 of the PMLA contains what are commonly referred to as the “twin conditions” for bail. 

Courts examine multiple factors including: 

• Nature of allegations. 
• Material collected during investigation. 
• Role of the accused. 
• Stage of proceedings. 
• Risk of tampering with evidence. 
• Possibility of influencing witnesses. 

Preparing an effective bail case often requires: 

• Detailed analysis of allegations. 
• Examination of documentary material. 
• Development of legal arguments. 
• Coordination with underlying proceedings. 
• Presentation of mitigating factors. 

The chamber’s extensive experience in bail litigation allows for focused representation in urgent and high-stakes situations. 

8. Predicate Offence Defence 

Why the Underlying Criminal Case Matters 

A PMLA prosecution generally originates from a predicate or scheduled offence. 

Examples may include allegations relating to: 

• Fraud. 
• Corruption. 
• Criminal breach of trust. 
• Narcotics offences. 
• Cyber crimes. 
• Financial offences. 

Because the money laundering allegation frequently depends upon the underlying offence, defence strategy must address both matters simultaneously. 

Legal work may include: 

• Challenging the predicate FIR. 
• Quashing proceedings. 
• Seeking discharge where applicable. 
• Coordinating defence across forums. 
• Managing parallel investigations. 

A fragmented approach can create inconsistencies that adversely affect the overall defence. Coordinated representation helps maintain a clear and consistent legal position. 

9. Cross-Agency Investigations 

Modern economic offence investigations frequently involve several government agencies. 

These may include: 

• Enforcement Directorate (ED) 
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) 
• Economic Offences Wing (EOW) 
• Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) 
• Central Vigilance agencies 
• State Police units 
• Income Tax authorities 

Each agency may pursue different aspects of the same transaction or event. 

A cross-agency strategy focuses on: 

• Consistent legal positions. 
• Managing overlapping statements. 
• Coordination of documentation. 
• Prevention of contradictory responses. 
• Protection against procedural complications. 

Effective defence often requires viewing the investigation as a whole rather than responding to each agency separately. 

How an ED / PMLA Matter Typically Progresses 

Understanding the procedural stages of a PMLA case helps individuals appreciate both risks and opportunities available at each point. 

Stage 1: Registration of ECIR 

The Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) serves as the ED’s internal record of investigation. 

Although often compared to an FIR, it operates differently. 

An ECIR is generally registered when information suggests that proceeds of crime may be linked to a scheduled offence. 

Many individuals do not know an ECIR exists until they receive a summons or become aware of investigative action. 

Stage 2: Section 50 Summons 

The next stage frequently involves summons for examination. 

Individuals may be called upon to: 

• Provide information. 
• Produce records. 
• Explain transactions. 
• Clarify relationships with other parties. 

The way this stage is handled can significantly affect future proceedings. 

Proper preparation is therefore essential. 

Stage 3: Search and Seizure 

If investigators believe relevant evidence exists, searches may be conducted. 

Searches can lead to: 

• Collection of records. 
• Seizure of devices. 
• Recovery of documents. 
• Freezing of assets. 

Immediate legal review helps ensure procedural requirements have been followed. 

Stage 4: Provisional Attachment 

The ED may provisionally attach property alleged to represent proceeds of crime. 

The consequences often extend beyond the individual concerned and may affect: 

• Family members. 
• Business partners. 
• Investors. 
• Employees. 
• Corporate operations. 

The attachment stage therefore demands swift and strategic action. 

Stage 5: Adjudication Proceedings 

The Adjudicating Authority reviews the ED’s action and considers objections. 

This is frequently the first formal forum where legal arguments can be fully developed on the merits of the attachment. 

Detailed preparation and documentary support are essential. 

Stage 6: Arrest and Bail 

In appropriate cases, arrest may occur during investigation. 

The focus immediately shifts toward: 

• Custody issues. 
• Bail strategy. 
• Constitutional safeguards. 
• Investigation records. 
• Defence preparation. 

The legal response at this stage must be both immediate and comprehensive. 

Stage 7: Complaint and Trial 

Following investigation, a prosecution complaint may be filed before the Special PMLA Court. 

Trial-related work includes: 

• Examination of allegations. 
• Cross-examination planning. 
• Evidence analysis. 
• Witness strategy. 
• Legal arguments. 

Trial preparation often begins long before charges are framed. 

Stage 8: Appeals 

Various orders passed under the PMLA may be challenged before appellate forums. 

Representation may involve: 

• Appellate Tribunal proceedings. 
• High Court litigation. 
• Supreme Court litigation. 
• Challenges to attachment orders. 
• Bail-related appeals. 
• Constitutional remedies. 

Each forum requires a distinct strategic approach while maintaining consistency with the overall defence. 

Why Clients Choose This Chamber 

A Bail-Focused Litigation Practice 

The consequences of denial of bail in a PMLA case can be significant. A practice developed through years of criminal defence and bail litigation provides a strong foundation for approaching the demanding standards imposed under Section 45. 

Rather than treating bail as a routine application, every matter is approached as a strategic stage requiring detailed preparation and case-specific arguments. 

One Counsel Across Multiple Forums 

Economic offence matters rarely remain confined to one court. 

A client may need representation before: 

• ED authorities. 
• Adjudicating Authority. 
• Special Court. 
• High Court. 
• Supreme Court. 

Having continuity of representation can improve consistency, reduce duplication, and ensure a unified legal strategy throughout the proceedings. 

Experience in Sensitive and High-Stakes Matters 

Economic offence investigations often attract significant scrutiny. 

Cases may involve: 

• Corporate disputes. 
• Public allegations. 
• Large financial transactions. 
• Cross-border issues. 
• Foreign nationals. 
• Multiple regulatory agencies. 

Handling such matters requires careful balancing of legal, procedural, and practical considerations. 

Direct Access to Counsel 

Many clients prefer working directly with the advocate responsible for strategy and courtroom appearances. 

This chamber emphasizes: 

• Personal handling of matters. 
• Direct consultation. 
• Consistent communication. 
• Individualized legal strategy. 

Cases are not routinely delegated to rotating junior teams, allowing clients to maintain continuity throughout the case. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is an offence under PMLA bailable? 

PMLA offences are generally non-bailable. Courts consider the statutory requirements contained in Section 45 while deciding bail applications. Because of the stringent legal framework, specialized legal preparation is often required while pursuing bail. 

Can the ED arrest without a police FIR? 

The Enforcement Directorate proceeds on the basis of its own investigation and ECIR. Although PMLA proceedings are generally connected to a predicate offence, the ED possesses independent investigative powers under the Act. 

What happens after receiving a Section 50 summons? 

Receiving a summons should never be treated as a routine formality. The notice should be carefully examined, documents should be reviewed, and legal advice should be sought before appearance. Statements made during the investigation can have long-term implications. 

Can attached property be released? 

Yes, attachment orders can be challenged before the appropriate forum. The outcome depends on the facts, evidence, ownership records, and legal arguments available in the specific case. 

How long does a provisional attachment continue? 

A provisional attachment is initially temporary but may continue if confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority. For this reason, the proceedings before the Authority are often a critical stage in protecting property rights. 

Do I need separate lawyers for different proceedings? 

Not always. Since the underlying offence, ED investigation, attachment proceedings, bail litigation, and appeals are often interconnected, a coordinated strategy can frequently provide significant advantages. 

What should businesses do if company accounts are frozen? 

Immediate legal assessment is important. Business operations, employee salaries, contractual obligations, and compliance responsibilities can all be affected by freezing actions. Early intervention may help identify available remedies. 

Can family members be summoned by the ED? 

Yes. Family members, employees, accountants, consultants, and other individuals connected with transactions under investigation may receive summonses. Each such notice should be treated seriously and addressed through proper legal advice. 

Strategic Importance of Early Legal Advice 

One of the most common mistakes in ED matters is waiting until an arrest or court appearance occurs before seeking legal representation. 

In reality, the most important opportunities often arise at the beginning of the process. 

Early legal assistance can help: 

• Understand the scope of allegations. 
• Review documents before production. 
• Prepare for ED questioning. 
• Avoid unnecessary procedural complications. 
• Formulate a defence strategy. 
• Protect property rights. 
• Coordinate responses across proceedings. 

The sooner legal issues are identified, the greater the opportunity to address them effectively. 

Contact a PMLA Advocate in Delhi 

If you have received a Section 50 summons, notice from the Enforcement Directorate, communication regarding attachment of property, or are facing any stage of a money laundering investigation, obtaining legal advice at the earliest opportunity can be critical. 

With a leadership team comprising Advocate Rohit Dandriyal and Advocate Rohit Gour, Chamber of Advocate Rohit Dandriyal, Advocates & Legal Consultants has established itself as a trusted legal practice handling complex matters under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigations, economic offences, and white-collar crime litigation. The Chamber is committed to delivering strategic legal representation with integrity, professionalism, and a client-focused approach. From Section 50 summons and attachment proceedings to bail, trial, and appeals, the Chamber provides comprehensive legal assistance tailored to the specific circumstances of each client. With extensive courtroom experience before the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court, Special Courts, and other judicial forums, the Chamber strives to protect clients’ legal rights through effective advocacy at every stage of the proceedings

Every PMLA matter presents unique facts, procedural challenges, and strategic considerations. Whether the issue concerns investigation, attachment proceedings, arrest, bail, trial, or appeal, timely legal guidance can make a substantial difference. 

Advocate Rohit Dandriyal provides representation in ED and PMLA matters before the Enforcement Directorate, PMLA Adjudicating Authority, Special PMLA Courts, Delhi High Court, and Supreme Court of India. 

Get in Touch 

Facing an ED summons or PMLA notice? 

The decisions taken before the first appearance, statement, or reply often influence the entire course of the proceedings. Schedule a consultation to review the notice, understand the legal position, and evaluate the options available in your specific matter. Early action is often the strongest form of legal protection.

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