The Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the Government for not taking prompt action against people holding black money.

The court asked the Government what is stopping it from carrying out the interrogation of businessman Mr Hasan Ali Khan, accused of tax evasion, and other people with black money despite having enough relevant material against them.

The court also ordered reinstatement of three Enforcement Directorate officials allegedly abruptly transferred during an ongoing probe in a case of alleged violation of foreign exchange norms as well as tax evasion by Mr Khan. It termed the transfer of three ED officials as unfortunate.

The court was not satisfied with the contentions of the Solicitor-General, Mr Gopal Subramanium, regarding the Government's measures.

In case the Government does not take action, the court said it would be forced to appoint a special officer to monitor the investigation against the alleged offenders.

The court observed that though there were instances when minor offenders were pulled up for violating orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the Government is not taking action against people indulging in serious offences such as black money laundering.

The court said the Centre should file its reply by next Tuesday, failing which it would pass suitable orders.

On February 10, the Supreme Court had told the Centre to make sure that Mr Khan does not leave India and is available for prosecution.

The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by eminent jurist, Mr Ram Jethmalani, and others seeking its direction to retrieve black money worth over $1 trillion stashed in tax havens across the globe.

Mr Subramanium had then told the court that Mr Khan is in India and that the investigation against him has entered a crucial stage. He said the Centre was taking all steps against Mr Khan. The court also asked whether Mr Khan could be made a party in the case.

Mr Subramanium had assured the court that the Government would disclose the names of persons who have allegedly kept black money overseas, at an appropriate stage, which is after registering a formal case against them.

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