SC to Examine Whether ED is a ‘Juristic Person’

• 23 Jan 2026

Source: TH 

The Supreme Court (SC) of India has agreed to examine petitions filed by Tamil Nadu and Kerala seeking clarity on whether the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is a ‘juristic person’ entitled to approach High Courts under Article 226 of the Constitution. 

• A ‘juristic person’ is a non-human legal entity (such as a corporation) recognised by law as having rights and duties, including the capacity to sue or be sued.  
• Kerala’s Contentions: The State argued that the ED filed a writ petition in the High Court challenging a State-appointed Commission of Inquiry (related to the gold smuggling case) without having the locus standi (legal standing) to do so.  
• Tamil Nadu’s Stand: Supporting Kerala, Tamil Nadu accused the ED of abusing the process of law by seeking a mandamus from the Madras High Court regarding illegal mining cases, arguing such writs are "misconceived and unmaintainable." 
• Statutory Body vs. Body Corporate: Both States contend that statutory bodies can exercise only powers expressly granted by statute, and ED is not vested with the power to sue under either FEMA , 1999 or the PMLA, 2002. 
  • Unlike a body corporate, the ED lacks the specific statutory power to claim legal status as a juristic person. 
• Judicial Precedent: Both States relied on the Supreme Court judgment in Chief Conservator of Forests, Govt of AP vs. Collector (2003), which established that the ability of a legal entity to sue or be sued is a matter of substantive law, not just procedure. 

Role of Article 226 of the Indian Constitution 

• Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs( Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto) for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. 
  • Unlike Article 32, Article 226 has a wider scope, as High Courts can issue writs not only for Fundamental Rights but also for “any other purpose”, including legal and statutory rights. 
• It acts as a constitutional check on executive and administrative action, ensuring legality, fairness, and accountability of government authorities. 
• Both individuals and legal entities can approach High Courts under Article 226, provided they have locus standi and a legally enforceable right. 
• It plays a crucial role in Centre–State relations, allowing States or authorities to challenge actions of central agencies and vice versa. 

Read more: Writ Jurisdiction and the State