The Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Finance / Department of Revenue
Section
Section 18 Search of persons. 1 docs
(1) If an authority, authorised in this behalf by the Central Government by general or special order, has reason to believe (the reason for such belief to be recorded in writing) that any person has secreted about his person or in anything under his possession, ownership or control, any record or proceeds of crime which may be useful for or relevant to any proceedings under this Act, he may search that person and seize such record or property which may be useful for or relevant to any proceedings under this Act:
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(2) The authority, who has been authorised under sub-section (1) shall, immediately after search and seizure, forward a copy of the reasons so recorded along with material in his possession, referred to in that sub-section, to the Adjudicating Authority in a sealed envelope, in the manner, as may be prescribed and such Adjudicating Authority shall keep such reasons and material for such period, as may be prescribed.
(3) Where an authority is about to search any person, he shall, if such person so requires, take such person within twenty-four hours to the nearest Gazetted Officer, superior in rank to him, or a Magistrate:
Provided that the period of twenty-four hours shall exclude the time necessary for the journey undertaken to take such person to the nearest Gazetted Officer, superior in rank to him, or Magistrates Court.
(4) If the requisition under sub-section (3) is made, the authority shall not detain the person for more than twenty-four hours prior to taking him before the Gazetted Officer, superior in rank to him, or the Magistrate referred to in that sub-section:
Provided that the period of twenty-four hours shall exclude the time necessary for the journey from the place of detention to the office of the Gazetted Officer, superior in rank to him, or the Magistrates Court.
(5) The Gazetted Officer or the Magistrate before whom any such person is brought shall, if he sees no reasonable ground for search, forthwith discharge such person but otherwise shall direct that search be made.
(6) Before making the search under sub-section (1) or sub-section (5), the authority shall call upon two or more persons to attend and witness the search, and the search shall be made in the presence of such persons.
(7) The authority shall prepare a list of record or property seized in the course of the search and obtain the signatures of the witnesses on the list.
(8) No female shall be searched by any one except a female.
(9) The authority shall record the statement of the person searched under sub-section (1) or sub-section (5) in respect of the records or proceeds of crime found or seized in the course of the search:
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(10) The authority, seizing any record or property under sub-section (1) shall, within a period of thirty days from such seizure, file an application requesting for retention of such record or property, before the Adjudicating Authority.
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(2) The authority, who has been authorised under sub-section (1) shall, immediately after search and seizure, forward a copy of the reasons so recorded along with material in his possession, referred to in that sub-section, to the Adjudicating Authority in a sealed envelope, in the manner, as may be prescribed and such Adjudicating Authority shall keep such reasons and material for such period, as may be prescribed.
(3) Where an authority is about to search any person, he shall, if such person so requires, take such person within twenty-four hours to the nearest Gazetted Officer, superior in rank to him, or a Magistrate:
Provided that the period of twenty-four hours shall exclude the time necessary for the journey undertaken to take such person to the nearest Gazetted Officer, superior in rank to him, or Magistrates Court.
(4) If the requisition under sub-section (3) is made, the authority shall not detain the person for more than twenty-four hours prior to taking him before the Gazetted Officer, superior in rank to him, or the Magistrate referred to in that sub-section:
Provided that the period of twenty-four hours shall exclude the time necessary for the journey from the place of detention to the office of the Gazetted Officer, superior in rank to him, or the Magistrates Court.
(5) The Gazetted Officer or the Magistrate before whom any such person is brought shall, if he sees no reasonable ground for search, forthwith discharge such person but otherwise shall direct that search be made.
(6) Before making the search under sub-section (1) or sub-section (5), the authority shall call upon two or more persons to attend and witness the search, and the search shall be made in the presence of such persons.
(7) The authority shall prepare a list of record or property seized in the course of the search and obtain the signatures of the witnesses on the list.
(8) No female shall be searched by any one except a female.
(9) The authority shall record the statement of the person searched under sub-section (1) or sub-section (5) in respect of the records or proceeds of crime found or seized in the course of the search:
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(10) The authority, seizing any record or property under sub-section (1) shall, within a period of thirty days from such seizure, file an application requesting for retention of such record or property, before the Adjudicating Authority.
1. The proviso omitted by Act 23 of 2019, s. 198 (w.e.f. 1-8-2019).
2. The proviso omitted by Act 21 of 2009 s. 8 (w.e.f. 1-6-2009).
2. The proviso omitted by Act 21 of 2009 s. 8 (w.e.f. 1-6-2009).
Section 19 Power to arrest. 1 docs
(1) If the Director, Deputy Director, Assistant Director or any other officer authorised in this behalf by the Central Government by general or special order, has on the basis of material in his possession, reason to believe (the reason for such belief to be recorded in writing) that any person has been guilty of an offence punishable under this Act, he may arrest such person and shall, as soon as may be, inform him of the grounds for such arrest.
(2) The Director, Deputy Director, Assistant Director or any other officer shall, immediately after arrest of such person under sub-section (1), forward a copy of the order along with the material in his possession, referred to in that sub-section, to the Adjudicating Authority in a sealed envelope, in the manner, as may be prescribed and such Adjudicating Authority shall keep such order and material for such period, as may be prescribed.
(3) Every person arrested under sub-section (1) shall, within twenty-four hours, be taken to a 1[Special Court or] Judicial Magistrate or a Metropolitan Magistrate, as the case may be, having jurisdiction:
Provided that the period of twenty-four hours shall exclude the time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the 1[Special Court or] Magistrate's Court.
(2) The Director, Deputy Director, Assistant Director or any other officer shall, immediately after arrest of such person under sub-section (1), forward a copy of the order along with the material in his possession, referred to in that sub-section, to the Adjudicating Authority in a sealed envelope, in the manner, as may be prescribed and such Adjudicating Authority shall keep such order and material for such period, as may be prescribed.
(3) Every person arrested under sub-section (1) shall, within twenty-four hours, be taken to a 1[Special Court or] Judicial Magistrate or a Metropolitan Magistrate, as the case may be, having jurisdiction:
Provided that the period of twenty-four hours shall exclude the time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the 1[Special Court or] Magistrate's Court.
1. Ins. by Act 13 of 2018, s. 208 (w.e.f. 19-4-2018).
Section 20 Retention of property. 2 docs
1[20.Retention of property.--(1) Where any property has been seized under section 17 or section 18 or frozen under sub-section (1A) of section 17 and the officer authorised by the Director in this behalf has, on the basis of material in his possession, reason to believe (the reason for such belief to be recorded by him in writing) that such property is required to be retained for the purposes of adjudication under section 8, such property may, if seized, be retained or if frozen, may continue to remain frozen, for a period not exceeding one hundred and eighty days from the day on which such property was seized or frozen, as the case may be.
(2) The officer authorised by the Director shall, immediately after he has passed an order for retention or continuation of freezing of the property for purposes of adjudication under section 8, forward a copy of the order along with the material in his possession, referred to in sub-section (1), to the Adjudicating Authority, in a sealed envelope, in the manner as may be prescribed and such Adjudicating Authority shall keep such order and material for such period as may be prescribed.
(3) On the expiry of the period specified in sub-section (1), the property shall be returned to the person from whom such property was seized or whose property was ordered to be frozen unless the Adjudicating Authority permits retention or continuation of freezing of such property beyond the said period.
(4) The Adjudicating Authority, before authorising the retention or continuation of freezing of such property beyond the period specified in sub-section (1), shall satisfy himself that the property is prima facie involved in money-laundering and the property is required for the purposes of adjudication under section 8.
(5) After passing the order of confiscation under sub-section (5) or sub-section (7) of section 8, 2[Special Court], shall direct the release of all property other than the property involved in money-laundering to the person from whom such property was seized or the persons entitled to receive it.
(6) Where an order releasing the property has been made by the 3[Special Court] under sub-section (6) of section 8 or by the Adjudicating Authority under section 58B or sub-section (2A) of section 60, the Director or any officer authorised by him in this behalf may withhold the release of any such property for a period of ninety days from the date of4[receipt of] such order, if he is of the opinion that such property is relevant for the appeal proceedings under this Act.]
(2) The officer authorised by the Director shall, immediately after he has passed an order for retention or continuation of freezing of the property for purposes of adjudication under section 8, forward a copy of the order along with the material in his possession, referred to in sub-section (1), to the Adjudicating Authority, in a sealed envelope, in the manner as may be prescribed and such Adjudicating Authority shall keep such order and material for such period as may be prescribed.
(3) On the expiry of the period specified in sub-section (1), the property shall be returned to the person from whom such property was seized or whose property was ordered to be frozen unless the Adjudicating Authority permits retention or continuation of freezing of such property beyond the said period.
(4) The Adjudicating Authority, before authorising the retention or continuation of freezing of such property beyond the period specified in sub-section (1), shall satisfy himself that the property is prima facie involved in money-laundering and the property is required for the purposes of adjudication under section 8.
(5) After passing the order of confiscation under sub-section (5) or sub-section (7) of section 8, 2[Special Court], shall direct the release of all property other than the property involved in money-laundering to the person from whom such property was seized or the persons entitled to receive it.
(6) Where an order releasing the property has been made by the 3[Special Court] under sub-section (6) of section 8 or by the Adjudicating Authority under section 58B or sub-section (2A) of section 60, the Director or any officer authorised by him in this behalf may withhold the release of any such property for a period of ninety days from the date of4[receipt of] such order, if he is of the opinion that such property is relevant for the appeal proceedings under this Act.]
1. Subs. by Act 2 of 2013, s.16, for sections 20 and 21 (w.e.f. 15-2-2013).
2. Subs. by Act 20 of 2015, s. 148, for "the Court or the Adjudicating Authority, as the case may be" (w.e.f. 14-5-2015).
3. Subs. by s. 148, ibid., for "Court" (w.e.f. 14-5-2015).
4. Ins. by s. 148, ibid. (w.e.f. 14-5-2015).
2. Subs. by Act 20 of 2015, s. 148, for "the Court or the Adjudicating Authority, as the case may be" (w.e.f. 14-5-2015).
3. Subs. by s. 148, ibid., for "Court" (w.e.f. 14-5-2015).
4. Ins. by s. 148, ibid. (w.e.f. 14-5-2015).
Section 21 Retention of records.
1[21. Retention of records.--(1) Where any records have been seized, under section 17 or section 18 or frozen under sub-section (1A) of section 17 and the Investigating Officer or any other officer authorised by the Director in this behalf has reason to believe that any of such records are required to be retained for any inquiry under this Act, such records may if seized, be retained or if frozen, may continue to remain frozen, for a period not exceeding one hundred and eighty days from the day on which such records were seized or frozen, as the case may be.
(2) The person, from whom records seized or frozen, shall be entitled to obtain copies of records.
(3) On the expiry of the period specified under sub-section (1), the records shall be returned to the person from whom such records were seized or whose records were ordered to be frozen unless the Adjudicating Authority permits retention or continuation of freezing of such records beyond the said period.
(4) The Adjudicating Authority, before authorising the retention or continuation of freezing of such records beyond the period specified in sub-section (1), shall satisfy himself that the records are required for the purposes of adjudication under section 8.
(5) After passing of an order of confiscation 2[or release under sub-section (5) or sub-section (6) or sub-section (7) of section 8 or section 58B or sub-section (2A) of section 60], the Adjudicating Authority shall direct the release of the records to the person from whom such records were seized.
(6) Where an order releasing the records has been made by the Court 3 [Adjudicating Authority under sub-section (5) of section 21], the Director or any other officer authorised by him in this behalf may withhold the release of any such record for a period of ninety days from the date of 4[receipt of] such order, if he is of the opinion that such record is relevant for the appeal proceedings under this Act.]
(2) The person, from whom records seized or frozen, shall be entitled to obtain copies of records.
(3) On the expiry of the period specified under sub-section (1), the records shall be returned to the person from whom such records were seized or whose records were ordered to be frozen unless the Adjudicating Authority permits retention or continuation of freezing of such records beyond the said period.
(4) The Adjudicating Authority, before authorising the retention or continuation of freezing of such records beyond the period specified in sub-section (1), shall satisfy himself that the records are required for the purposes of adjudication under section 8.
(5) After passing of an order of confiscation 2[or release under sub-section (5) or sub-section (6) or sub-section (7) of section 8 or section 58B or sub-section (2A) of section 60], the Adjudicating Authority shall direct the release of the records to the person from whom such records were seized.
(6) Where an order releasing the records has been made by the Court 3 [Adjudicating Authority under sub-section (5) of section 21], the Director or any other officer authorised by him in this behalf may withhold the release of any such record for a period of ninety days from the date of 4[receipt of] such order, if he is of the opinion that such record is relevant for the appeal proceedings under this Act.]
1. Subs. by Act 2 of 2013, s.16, for sections 20 and 21 (w.e.f. 15-2-2013).
2 Subs. by s. 149, ibid., for "under sub-section (5) or sub-section (7) of section 8" (w.e.f. 14-5-2015).
3. Subs. by s. 149, ibid., for certain words, brackets, figures and letters (w.e.f. 14-5-2015).
4. Ins. by s. 149, ibid. (w.e.f. 14-5-2015).
2 Subs. by s. 149, ibid., for "under sub-section (5) or sub-section (7) of section 8" (w.e.f. 14-5-2015).
3. Subs. by s. 149, ibid., for certain words, brackets, figures and letters (w.e.f. 14-5-2015).
4. Ins. by s. 149, ibid. (w.e.f. 14-5-2015).
Section 22 Presumption as to records or property in certain cases. 1 docs
(1) Where any records or property are or is found in the possession or control of any person in the course of a survey or a search1[or where any record or property is produced by any person or has been resumed or seized from the custody or control of any person or has been frozen under this Act or under any other law for the time being in force,] it shall be presumed that--
(i) such records or property belong or belongs to such person;
(ii) the contents of such records are true; and
(iii) the signature and every other part of such records which purport to be in the handwriting of any particular person or which may reasonably be assumed to have been signed by, or to be in the handwriting of, any particular person, are in that persons handwriting, and in the case of a record, stamped, executed or attested, that it was executed or attested by the person by whom it purports to have been so stamped, executed or attested.
(2) Where any records have been received from any place outside India, duly authenticated by such authority or person and in such manner as may be prescribed, in the course of proceedings under this Act, the Special Court, the Appellate Tribunal or the Adjudicating Authority, as the case may be, shall--
(a) presume, that the signature and every other part of such record which purports to be in the handwriting of any particular person or which the court may reasonably assume to have been signed by, or to be in the handwriting of, any particular person, is in that person's handwriting; and in the case of a record executed or attested, that it was executed or attested by the person by whom it purports to have been so executed or attested;
(b) admit the document in evidence, notwithstanding that it is not duly stamped, if such document is otherwise admissible in evidence.
(i) such records or property belong or belongs to such person;
(ii) the contents of such records are true; and
(iii) the signature and every other part of such records which purport to be in the handwriting of any particular person or which may reasonably be assumed to have been signed by, or to be in the handwriting of, any particular person, are in that persons handwriting, and in the case of a record, stamped, executed or attested, that it was executed or attested by the person by whom it purports to have been so stamped, executed or attested.
(2) Where any records have been received from any place outside India, duly authenticated by such authority or person and in such manner as may be prescribed, in the course of proceedings under this Act, the Special Court, the Appellate Tribunal or the Adjudicating Authority, as the case may be, shall--
(a) presume, that the signature and every other part of such record which purports to be in the handwriting of any particular person or which the court may reasonably assume to have been signed by, or to be in the handwriting of, any particular person, is in that person's handwriting; and in the case of a record executed or attested, that it was executed or attested by the person by whom it purports to have been so executed or attested;
(b) admit the document in evidence, notwithstanding that it is not duly stamped, if such document is otherwise admissible in evidence.
1. Ins. by Act 2 of 2013, s.17 (w.e.f. 15-2-2013).
Section 23 Presumption in inter-connected transactions.
Where money-laundering involves two or more inter-connected transactions and one or more such transactions is or are proved to be involved in money-laundering, then for the purposes of adjudication or confiscation 1[under section 8 or for the trial of the money-laundering offence, it shall unless otherwise proved to the satisfaction of the Adjudicating Authority or the Special Court], be presumed that the remaining transactions from part of such interconnected transactions.
1. Subs. by s.18, ibid., for certain words and figure (w.e.f. 15-2-2013).
Section 24 Burden of proof.
1[24. Burden of proof.--In any proceeding relating to proceeds of crime under this Act,--
(a) in the case of a person charged with the offence of money-laundering under section 3, the Authority or Court shall, unless the contrary is proved, presume that such proceeds of crime are involved in money-laundering; and
(b) in the case of any other person the Authority or Court, may presume that such proceeds of crime are involved in money-laundering.]
(a) in the case of a person charged with the offence of money-laundering under section 3, the Authority or Court shall, unless the contrary is proved, presume that such proceeds of crime are involved in money-laundering; and
(b) in the case of any other person the Authority or Court, may presume that such proceeds of crime are involved in money-laundering.]
1. Subs. by s.19, ibid., for section 24 (w.e.f. 15-2-2013).
Section 25 Appellate Tribunal.
1[25. Appellate Tribunal.--The Appellate Tribunal constituted under sub-section (1) of section 12 of of the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, 1976 (13 of 1976) shall be the Appellate Tribunal for hearing appeals against the orders of the Adjudicating Authority and the other authorities under this Act.]
1. Subs. by Act 28 of 2016, s. 232, for section 25 (w.e.f. 1-6-2016).
Section 26 Appeal to Appellate Tribunal. 1 docs
(1) Save as otherwise provided in sub-section (3), the Director or any person aggrieved by an order made by the Adjudicating Authority under this Act, may prefer an appeal to the Appellate Tribunal.
(2) Any 1[reporting entity] aggrieved by any order of the Director made under sub-section (2) of section 13, may prefer an appeal to the Appellate Tribunal.
(3) Every appeal preferred under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) shall be filed within a period of forty-five days from the date on which a copy of the order made by the Adjudicating Authority or Director is received and it shall be in such form and be accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed:
Provided that the Appellate Tribunal may, after giving an opportunity of being heard, entertain an appeal after the expiry of the said period of forty-five days if it is satisfied that there was sufficient cause for not filing it within that period.
(4) On receipt of an appeal under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), the Appellate Tribunal may, after giving the parties to the appeal an opportunity of being heard, pass such orders thereon as it thinks fit, confirming, modifying or setting aside the order appealed against.
(5) The Appellate Tribunal shall send a copy of every order made by it to the parties to the appeal and to the concerned Adjudicating Authority or the Director, as the case may be.
(6) The appeal filed before the Appellate Tribunal under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) shall be dealt with by it as expeditiously as possible and endeavour shall be made by it to dispose of the appeal finally within six months from the date of filing of the appeal.
(2) Any 1[reporting entity] aggrieved by any order of the Director made under sub-section (2) of section 13, may prefer an appeal to the Appellate Tribunal.
(3) Every appeal preferred under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) shall be filed within a period of forty-five days from the date on which a copy of the order made by the Adjudicating Authority or Director is received and it shall be in such form and be accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed:
Provided that the Appellate Tribunal may, after giving an opportunity of being heard, entertain an appeal after the expiry of the said period of forty-five days if it is satisfied that there was sufficient cause for not filing it within that period.
(4) On receipt of an appeal under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), the Appellate Tribunal may, after giving the parties to the appeal an opportunity of being heard, pass such orders thereon as it thinks fit, confirming, modifying or setting aside the order appealed against.
(5) The Appellate Tribunal shall send a copy of every order made by it to the parties to the appeal and to the concerned Adjudicating Authority or the Director, as the case may be.
(6) The appeal filed before the Appellate Tribunal under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) shall be dealt with by it as expeditiously as possible and endeavour shall be made by it to dispose of the appeal finally within six months from the date of filing of the appeal.
1. Subs. by Act 2 of 2013, s. 20, for "banking company, financial institution or intermediary" (w.e.f. 15-2-2013).
Section 27 [Omitted.].
[Compositions, etc., of Appellate Tribunal.] Omitted by the Finance Act, 2016 (28 of 2016), s. 232 (w.e.f. 1-6-2016).
Section 28 [Omitted.].
[Qualifications for appointment.] Omitted by s. 232, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-2016).
Section 29 [Omitted.].
[Term of office.]Omitted by the Prevention of Money-laundering (Amendment) Act, 2005 (20 of 2005), s. 4 (w.e.f. 1-7-2005).
Section 30 [Omitted.].
[Conditions of service.] Omitted by the Finance Act, 2016 (28 of 2016), s. 232 (w.e.f. 1-6-2016).
Section 31 [Omitted.].
[Vacancies.] Omitted by s. 232, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-2016).
Section 32 [Omitted.].
[Resignation and removal.] Omitted by s. 232, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-2016).
Section 33 [Omitted.].
[Member to act as Chairperson in certain circumstances.]Omitted by s. 232, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-2016).
Section 34 [Omitted.].
[Staff of Appellate Tribunal.] Omitted by s. 232, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-2016).
Section 35 Procedure and powers of Appellate Tribunal.
(1) The Appellate Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), but shall be guided by the principles of natural justice and, subject to the other Provisions of this Act, the Appellate Tribunal shall have powers to regulate its own procedure.
(2) The Appellate Tribunal shall have, for the purposes of discharging its functions under this Act, the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:--
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
(b) requiring the discovery and production of documents;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;
(d) subject to the provisions of sections 123 and 124 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (1 of 1872), requisitioning any public record or document or copy of such record or document from any office;
(e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents;
(f) reviewing its decisions;
(g) dismissing a representation for default or deciding it ex parte;
(h) setting aside any order of dismissal of any representation for default or any order passed by it ex parte; and
(i) any other matter, which may be, prescribed by the Central Government.
(3) An order made by the Appellate Tribunal under this Act shall be executable by the Appellate Tribunal as a decree of civil court and, for this purpose, the Appellate Tribunal shall have all the powers of a civil court.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (3), the Appellate Tribunal may transmit any order made by it to a civil court having local jurisdiction and such civil court shall execute the order as if it were a decree made by that court.
(5) All proceedings before the Appellate Tribunal shall be deemed to be judicial proceedings within the meaning of sections 193 and 228 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) and the Appellate Tribunal shall be deemed to be a civil court for the purposes of sections 345 and 346 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974).
(2) The Appellate Tribunal shall have, for the purposes of discharging its functions under this Act, the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:--
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
(b) requiring the discovery and production of documents;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;
(d) subject to the provisions of sections 123 and 124 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (1 of 1872), requisitioning any public record or document or copy of such record or document from any office;
(e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents;
(f) reviewing its decisions;
(g) dismissing a representation for default or deciding it ex parte;
(h) setting aside any order of dismissal of any representation for default or any order passed by it ex parte; and
(i) any other matter, which may be, prescribed by the Central Government.
(3) An order made by the Appellate Tribunal under this Act shall be executable by the Appellate Tribunal as a decree of civil court and, for this purpose, the Appellate Tribunal shall have all the powers of a civil court.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (3), the Appellate Tribunal may transmit any order made by it to a civil court having local jurisdiction and such civil court shall execute the order as if it were a decree made by that court.
(5) All proceedings before the Appellate Tribunal shall be deemed to be judicial proceedings within the meaning of sections 193 and 228 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) and the Appellate Tribunal shall be deemed to be a civil court for the purposes of sections 345 and 346 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974).
Section 36 Distribution of business amongst Benches.
Where any Benches are constituted, the 1[Chairman] may, from time to time, by notification, make provisions as to the distribution of the business of the Appellate Tribunal amongst the Benches and also provide for the matters which may be dealt with by each Bench.
1. Subs. by Act 28 of 2016, s. 232, for "Chairperson" (w.e.f. 1-6-2016)
Section 37 Power of Chairperson to transfer cases.
On the application of any of the parties and after notice to the parties, and after hearing such of them as he may desire to be heard, or on his own motion without such notice, the 1[Chairman] may transfer any case pending before one Bench, for disposal, to any other Bench.
1. Subs. by Act 28 of 2016, s. 232, for "Chairperson" (w.e.f. 1-6-2016).