Enforcement Directorate Strengthens Legal Team with New Appointment

New Advocate Joins Enforcement Directorate

S Gopal Puri

NEW DELHI — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has bolstered its legal team with the appointment of Nitya Sharma, an experienced lawyer known for his extensive practice in the Delhi High Court and strong ties to Himachal Pradesh. This move is part of the agency's intensified efforts against financial crimes.

Sanctioned by the Department of Revenue within the Ministry of Finance, Sharma will play a crucial role in the government's initiatives to combat money laundering. His tenure will last for three years, during which he will represent the ED in significant cases before the Adjudicating Authority, the Appellate Tribunal, and the Special Director (Appeals), focusing on matters related to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

With 18 years of legal experience, Sharma has a distinguished career marked by high-profile government representation and a dedication to public interest. As a member of the 2008 enrollment batch, he currently serves as panel counsel for the University of Delhi and is actively involved in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Himachal Pradesh High Court, advocating for the establishment of a Central University campus in Dharamshala and seeking transparency regarding CAMPA funds from the state government.

In his new role, Sharma's duties will encompass more than just legal representation; he will navigate the complex 'proceeds of crime' doctrine, draft legal documents, argue intricate legal issues, and assist the Adjudicating Authority in assessing whether properties are linked to unlawful financial activities.

Commenting on his appointment, Sharma expressed the significance of his role in serving the nation. 'Coming from the hills of Himachal Pradesh, being empanelled with the Enforcement Directorate is a tremendous professional honor. Contributing to one of our country’s leading investigative agencies is not only a personal achievement but also a chance to uphold the legal and financial integrity of our nation,' he stated.