Mumbai: Former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, who is in the Maharashtra government, said in a statement last Thursday, "I will appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after the legal process is over.'' In fact, the ED had summoned Deshmukh to investigate a money laundering case. Now Anil Deshmukh in a recent statement claimed that the Supreme Court has accepted his plea on ED and he will come up for a hearing soon. On the other hand, last Monday, the Supreme Court had refused interim relief to NCP leader Deshmukh. You must be aware that a three-judge bench headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar had heard several petitions including a petition challenging the constitutional validity of some provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He had said during the hearing that Deshmukh was free to adopt any measures available within the ambit of the law. Similarly, Anil Deshmukh in a statement recently said, "The apex court had allowed him to approach the lower court on Monday. The legal process has started and after it is completed, I will appear before the ED.'' I will cooperate with the ED. I have always followed high ideals in my socio-political life. You must be aware that it was only last Wednesday that the ED once again issued a summons in the money laundering case. Even then, Anil Deshmukh did not appear and informed the ED through his lawyer that his application was pending in the Supreme Court, so some more time should be given. Punjab HC orders release of former Punjab DGP Sumedh Saini MP: Police busted a sex racket Sonia Gandhi to chair opposition parties’ meet today, AAP not invited