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In respect of this seizure on 29th March, 2023, the said authority issued a show cause to the writ petitioner under Section 8 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. With the notice was enclosed reasons in support of it under Section 8(1) of the said Act. He was asked to file a written reply to it on or before 18th May, 2023, as to why the said articles should not be permitted to be retained by the Enforcement Directorate. In paragraph 4 of the said statement of reasons attached to the notice it was mentioned that the writ petitioner received Rs. 83.25 lakhs from Pincon Group of Companies and the firm which he runs Aquilaw received Rs. 23 lakhs. In the 4th last line of paragraph 4, it was specifically stated that the said sum received was "for providing legal assistance". However, the statement added that no official engagement letter issued by Pincon in favour of the firm or the writ petitioner could be produced or is available.

Let affidavits be exchanged in the writ application as well as in the connected application according to the following direction:
Affidavit in opposition be filed by 18th May, 2023. Affidavit in reply by 9th June, 2023.
List the writ along with the connected application on 12th June, 2023.
In the meantime the petitioner shall file a reply to the show cause notice without prejudice to his rights and contentions. The adjudicating authority under the P.M.L. Act may proceed to adjudicate whether to retain the articles or not but keep the adjudication in a sealed cover and not communicate the same pending a decision in this writ application. This is so because the validity of the whole action of the Enforcement Directorate is under challenge in the writ and prima facie only a receipt of Rs. 83 lacs by the petitioner and Rs. 23 lacs by his firm from Pincon is on record. The petitioner claims it as professional receipt.