The Saket Court in New Delhi has decided to grant interim protection from arrest to Navin M. Raheja, Chairman and Managing Director of Raheja Developers Ltd, along with his son, Nayan N. Raheja. This decision follows a money laundering investigation being conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The court mandated that both individuals must cooperate with the investigation whenever they are called upon by the Investigating Officer (IO).

The order was issued by Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan amidst hearings regarding the ED’s request for open-ended non-bailable warrants against the accused. The court reasoned that the hearings on the ED’s applications were still underway and both accused had shown readiness to participate in the investigation.

The court further highlighted that the issuance of judicial processes aims to ensure an accused’s presence. It acknowledged that non-bailable warrants come with serious implications for the rights of the accused, and thus should be used judiciously. The judge stated, “Considering that both the accused persons are ready and willing to join and cooperate in investigation, I deem it fit to grant them interim protection from arrest till next date of hearing.”

Ongoing ED Investigation and Allegations

The ED’s applications which led to this court proceeding were based on allegations of non-compliance with summons issued under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency claimed that Navin and Nayan Raheja had not been forthcoming with their appearances during the investigation, leading to the request for non-bailable warrants under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and PMLA.

On August 1, 2026, substantial arguments regarding the ED’s applications were presented, with the case being revisited on August 3 for further clarification from the Investigating Officer about the dates of previous appearances by the accused. Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa, representing the Rahejas, asserted that both had complied with multiple summons from the ED in the preceding year and had provided all necessary documentation.

The defence highlighted the timeline, noting that the enforcement case information report (ECIR) had been registered in 2022, while the request for warrants was initiated nearly four years later. Their position maintained that the Rahejas were not evading the investigation process and remained willing to cooperate fully.

Arguments from the Enforcement Directorate

In response, the ED contended that, despite earlier compliance and recorded statements, the accused had failed to appear on four specific occasions subsequent to summonses issued in April 2026. The agency argued against granting interim protection, asserting that the pending anticipatory bail proceedings should not inhibit the ED’s pursuit of coercive actions.

After carefully evaluating the arguments from both sides, the court emphasised the importance of continued cooperation from the accused in the ongoing investigation. The judges reasoned that the interim protection was appropriate amid this backdrop, allowing both Navin and Nayan Raheja to avoid arrest while ensuring their involvement in the investigation process.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for further arguments on September 3, 2026, setting a timeline for future proceedings in this significant case involving alleged money laundering. The decision has implications not only for the Raheja officials but also for the broader investigative efforts by the ED in related matters.

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