Blow for Centre: SC no to ED chief extension

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday held as "illegal" two successive extensions of one year each granted to Enforcement Directorate chief Sanjay Kumar Mishra, holding that the Centre's orders were in "breach" of its mandamus in its 2021 verdict that the IRS officer should not be given further term.

The order which also curtailed Mishra's extended tenure to July 31 came as a setback to the Centre even as it upheld the amendments under which a maximum of five-year tenure can be given to directors of the ED and the CBI.

The amendments were made to the Central Vigilance Commission (Amendment) Act, 2021 and Delhi Special Police Act, 2021.

ED Saga

• 2018: Sanjay Mishra appointed ED director for 2-year term
• 2020: Appointment order modified; 2-year term extended to 3 years
• 2021: Ordinance brought in; Mishra gets first one-year extension l2022: Mishra gets second one-year extension (PTI)