S Gopal Puri
NEW DELHI — In a significant strengthening of the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) legal team, Nitya Sharma, a seasoned advocate with deep roots in Himachal Pradesh and a prominent practice in the Delhi High Court, has been empanelled to represent the agency in high-stakes financial litigation.
The appointment, sanctioned by the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance, places Sharma on the frontline of the government’s crackdown on money laundering.
For a tenure of three years, he will represent the federal agency before the Adjudicating Authority, the Appellate Tribunal, and the Special Director (Appeals), handling critical matters under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
With a professional journey spanning 18 years, Sharma’s career is defined by a blend of high-profile government representation and a commitment to public interest.
An alumnus of the 2008 enrollment batch (2155/2008),
his current portfolio remains diverse; he acts as panel counsel for the University of Delhi while simultaneously advocating for his home state through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
This PIL seeks the establishment of the Dharamshala campus for the Central University and demands transparency regarding CAMPA funds from the state government.
In his new capacity, Sharma’s responsibilities extend beyond mere representation; he is tasked with navigating the intricate “proceeds of crime” doctrine. His role involves drafting pleadings, arguing complex legal questions, and assisting the Adjudicating Authority in determining whether properties are the result of illicit financial activities.
Speaking on the appointment, Sharma emphasized the gravity of the role in the context of national service. “Hailing from the hills of Himachal Pradesh, it is a matter of immense professional pride to be empanelled with the Enforcement Directorate. To serve within one of our country’s premier investigative agencies is not just a personal milestone, but an opportunity to contribute to the nation’s legal and financial integrity,” he said.
