CBI / ED / Crime Branch Cases

Cases handled by central and specialised investigating agencies carry distinct procedural rigours, sanction requirements and trial fora. The CBI investigates corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and notified special crimes; the ED handles PMLA and FEMA matters; and State Crime Branch / Economic Offences Wing (EOW) units deal with large frauds. These agencies operate under their own manuals and special-court systems, alongside the BNSS as the general procedural law. A recurring and decisive issue is sanction for prosecution. For offences by public servants in the discharge of official duty, valid prior sanction is required under Section 218 BNSS and, for corruption offences, under Section 19 of the PC Act — its absence can be a complete bar. Equally important are the legality of the preliminary enquiry / regular case, the search-and-seizure protocol, and the integrity of evidence such as voice samples and sting recordings. We represent public servants, corporates and individuals from the source-information and search stage through CBI / Special Court trial and High Court appeals, with close attention to sanction, procedure and evidence.