India: ED Seizes ₹661 Crore Assets in AJL Case; Supreme Court Mandates Timely Decision on State Bills; West Bengal Nixes Waqf Act Amid Protests; Israel Encircles Gaza’s Rafah

A series of significant developments unfolded on Saturday, April 12, 2025, impacting India’s political, legal, and financial landscapes, alongside crucial international events. Authorities took decisive action in a prominent financial investigation, the nation’s highest court issued a landmark directive concerning legislative processes, and a major state leader made a notable policy declaration amidst unrest. Concurrently, the international stage witnessed a key military maneuver in a protracted conflict zone.

Enforcement Directorate Moves to Take Possession of ₹661 Crore Assets in AJL Money Laundering Case

In a major move within the ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reportedly issued notices to take possession of immovable assets with a valuation of ₹661 crore. These assets were previously attached by the ED as part of their probe into a money laundering case targeting Associated Journals Limited (AJL). AJL is an entity notably controlled by the Congress party. The issuance of these possession notices signals a progression in the ED’s efforts to assert control over assets identified as proceeds or instrumentalities of crime under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The attachment of assets is typically a preliminary step in such investigations, aimed at preventing defendants from alienating or disposing of property that could potentially be confiscated if the charges are proven. Moving to take physical or legal possession represents a more advanced stage in the process, reinforcing the agency’s intent to secure the assets pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. The case involving AJL has been a politically sensitive matter, given the entity’s ties to a major national political party, drawing considerable attention to the ED’s actions.

Supreme Court Imposes Three-Month Deadline for Presidential Decision on State Bills

In a significant ruling clarifying the constitutional roles and timelines concerning state legislation, the Supreme Court of India has imposed a strict timeframe for the President’s consideration of State Bills referred by a Governor. The apex court has mandated that the President must make a decision regarding such referred bills within a period of three months. Crucially, this three-month timeframe is to commence from the date on which the Governor initially referred the bill to the President.

Governors, as constitutional heads of states, have the power under Article 201 of the Constitution to reserve certain bills passed by the state legislature for the consideration of the President. This power is typically exercised when a bill touches upon areas where state and central laws might overlap, or when it impacts constitutional provisions. The Supreme Court’s directive addresses concerns about potential delays in the legislative process when bills are held in abeyance awaiting presidential assent or decision. The clear, time-bound mandate is expected to streamline the process and bring greater certainty to the fate of state legislation referred to the highest constitutional authority.

West Bengal Chief Minister Declares Non-Implementation of Waqf (Amendment) Act Amidst Protests

In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a significant announcement on Saturday, April 12, 2025, stating that the state government would not implement the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The Chief Minister’s declaration came amidst a backdrop of violent protests in the state, although the direct link between the protests and the Act’s announcement was not explicitly detailed in the provided information. The Waqf Act pertains to the administration and management of Waqf properties, which are religious endowments under Islamic law.

Amendments to such acts often draw considerable public and community attention, particularly from stakeholders involved in the management and beneficiaries of Waqf properties. Chief Minister Banerjee’s statement signifies a divergence in policy or approach concerning this central legislation, indicating the state’s intent to either maintain the status quo under previous laws or pursue alternative regulatory frameworks. The timing of the announcement, coinciding with ongoing protests in West Bengal, highlights the politically charged atmosphere surrounding legislative and administrative decisions in the state.

Israeli Forces Complete Encirclement of Gaza’s Rafah

On the international front, developments continued rapidly in the Gaza conflict. On Saturday, April 12, 2025, Israeli forces completed the encirclement of Gaza’s Rafah. This military maneuver was described by the Israeli military as being part of an announced plan to seize more areas of the enclave. The operation was reportedly accompanied by large-scale evacuations of the population, following repeated evacuation warnings issued since operations in Gaza resumed on March 18. Rafah, located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, has become a focal point of the conflict, having absorbed a significant population displaced from other areas of the enclave.

The completion of the encirclement indicates an intensification of military operations in and around Rafah, a region previously designated as a relatively safer zone for civilians. The Israeli military’s emphasis on accompanying the operation with evacuations underscores the humanitarian concerns associated with expanded military action in densely populated areas. The reference to operations resuming on March 18 provides a timeline context for the current phase of the conflict in Gaza, highlighting a period of sustained military activity leading up to the encirclement of Rafah on April 12. The situation in Rafah remains highly fluid and is being closely monitored internationally due to its significant humanitarian implications.

These diverse events across India’s financial, legal, and political spheres, coupled with critical developments in the Gaza conflict, marked April 12, 2025, as a day of notable headlines with potentially far-reaching consequences.