” A word of caution is necessary. We must be extremely selective in deciding which cases to prosecute under the money laundering law. Otherwise, we will be overwhelmed with cases that would be required to prosecute.” These are the words of the Finance Minister P.Chidamabaram. He was  addressing the officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) today.

It is to be noted that this is not a statement from a business man or from vested interests. It is from the Finance Minister of the country who is responsible to increase the revenue for the country and also to  punish the economic offenders. That Minister is asking the ED officers to prosecute only ‘selected persons.’ Does that mean that only those people, whom the government  wants to prosecute is to be prosecuted and those whom the government wants to save should not be prosecuted?

Any way this seems to be a green signal to the money launderers that they ‘need not be unduly worried; prosecution will be very limited.’