PMLA – A (P)oem On the (M)oney (L)aundering (A)ct.

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“It’s very genesis is illegal; it can’t be a Money Bill! 

This vitiates everything; a lacunae that you can’t fill!” 


This issue – we decide not to decide, 

Let’s look at the other issues, for a moment, keeping this aside. 

The law is amazing; it’s beautiful; truly one of its kind, 

The legislature was competent, and it duly applied its mind. 

But, please appreciate : “The law is Penal and it is Retrospective!”, 

“No!”’ you must look at it in the proper perspective. 

It merely clarifies,

In fact, you’d realise-

It can, under the law, safely relate-back, 

And is needed to put the nation back on the track. 

But – listen : “The definition of money laundering is too vague and wide!” 

Nothing doing; the legislature, as we said, has properly applied. 

Properly applied itself and the law – on the issue at hand, 

An ‘AND’ is not very different from an ‘OR’, please understand! 

But there is a big contradiction;

“One may disprove the ‘crime’ in the ‘proceeds of crime!-

And still be arrested – and serve jail time”

No! We don’t see a contradiction; and please stop these platitudes, 

As Whitman said, the law is nuanced and large – it contains multitudes. 

“But what about the presumption of guilt,

And the defence having to prove its innocence to the hilt?” 

“What about – ‘Jail being the rule, and bail an exception?’ 

Shouldn’t this law be examined with more circumspection?” 

We don’t agree! The law is sound, 

And – clearly – you have no factual/legal ground!  

And why do you seek to know what’s precisely the allegation against you, 

When, while examining such matters, narrow is the scope of judicial review. 

And, in fact, why do you seek to know anything – when Ignorance is Bliss; 

The Trial Court will deal with it at the Trial – 

if there’s something amiss. 

“But the Trial may not happen for years; 

And in the eventuality of an acquittal, who’d wipe my tears?” 

We don’t agree!

The ED officers aren’t ‘police officers’- 

they are high ranking officials with noble intent, 

your apprehension, therefore, is unfounded, and devoid of content!

No costs but we dismiss the petition; 

And, with that, we bring down the curtain on this poetic rendition. 

Comments

26 responses to “PMLA – A (P)oem On the (M)oney (L)aundering (A)ct.”

  1. S R Agarwal Avatar
    S R Agarwal

    Respected Sir, I always knew your love for poetry.I’m now delighted to see the poet in you.
    Kind Regards/SR

    Like

      1. Sukriti Chowdhury Avatar
        Sukriti Chowdhury

        Most respectful sir, what a beautiful choice of words and spellbound expression. You inspire us everyday.

        Like

      2. Bharat Chugh Avatar

        Thanks so much! I’m glad you found it useful.

        Like

  2. Parmveer singh Avatar
    Parmveer singh

    Nice sir , you are not only a good lawyer although you are good writter and poet too .

    Like

    1. Bharat Chugh Avatar

      Thanks so much, brother!

      Like

  3. Ankita Avatar
    Ankita

    This amalgamation of poetry and law is beautiful sir. You inspire us every day !
    Kind regards
    Ankita Rani

    Like

    1. Bharat Chugh Avatar

      Thanks so much!

      Like

  4. Akash Awana Avatar
    Akash Awana

    Indeed the peom is amazing..!
    Your skills are beyond imagination
    Your art of articulation is astonishing
    This shows dedication to your passion
    Your devotion to work might be motivational to many but your simplicity and gratitude has always been an inspiration.

    Like

  5. Akash Awana Avatar
    Akash Awana

    Indeed the poem is amazing..!
    Your skills are beyond imagination
    Your art of articulation is astonishing
    This shows dedication to your passion
    Your devotion to work might be motivational to many but your simplicity and gratitude has always been an inspiration.

    Type error corrected*

    Like

    1. Bharat Chugh Avatar

      Thanks so much, brother!

      Like

  6. Renu Avatar
    Renu

    Sir, I really appreciate this way of critically analysing law. Though I am not a lawyer but I read your blogs to enhance self-awareness. These are helpful.

    Glad to follow this blog.

    Like

    1. Bharat Chugh Avatar

      Thanks so much! I’m glad you found it useful.

      Like

  7. Dr swati jindal garg Avatar

    Wonderful and a very precise rendition of the entire judgement in a readable and enjoyable ( dare i say!!) medium!!! Hoping yo see more such pearls from u! All the best

    Like

    1. Bharat Chugh Avatar

      Thanks so much!

      Like

  8. Varalika Mendiratta Avatar
    Varalika Mendiratta

    Never thought I would find law in poetry
    In this melody, I discovered an unknown territory!

    Like

    1. Bharat Chugh Avatar

      I’m glad 🙂

      Like

  9. Anushka Sarraf Avatar
    Anushka Sarraf

    Beautiful choice of words. No wonder why you are an inspiration to many. This is an amazing creation sir.

    Like

    1. Bharat Chugh Avatar

      Thanks so much!

      Like

  10. Chandra Mohan Avatar
    Chandra Mohan

    A play on words, even if a jab
    Music to the ears, your gift of the gab!!!

    Like

  11. Pradhyumna Joshi Avatar

    Respected Sir, the words you wrote are brilliantly chosen.
    They indeed seem to be intricately woven.

    The thoughts of your mind, you melodiously explained.
    Reading your poem it felt like in a scorching heat, it pleasantly rained.

    Thanking you Sir, for you are revered.
    Your poem seems to be perfectly engineered

    Like

  12. Geeta Bhardwaj Avatar
    Geeta Bhardwaj

    Ironical lecunae in judicial system explained exceptionally well. Kudos Mr Chugh
    Way to go
    Cheers

    Like

  13. Anil Sehrawat Avatar
    Anil Sehrawat

    good

    Like

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