The Supreme Court on Tuesday observed that people with sound finances tend to challenge the validity of laws under which they have been booked.

The Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made the remark while dealing with a plea moved by Delhi-based lawyer Gautam Khaitan who is currently facing money laundering charges in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal.

The Court was told that he has challenged the validity of certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

“The vires of Section 44(1)(c) of PMLA is in question here in this writ petition,” Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for Khaitan, said.

“This is a unique trend now that when trial is ongoing now ....the rich and affluent move court challenging vires of legislation. Face trial like any other citizen,” CJI Kant said in response.

The Court eventually declined to entertain the plea, considering that a similar challenge to the legal provisions is pending before it.

“Question of law is kept open to be determined in appropriate proceedings. Not entertained since similar challenge is pending,” it said while rejecting the petition.

[Read Live Coverage]

In August 2025, the top court had refused to entertain a similar plea moved by former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel's to challenge the ED's powers under Section 44 of PMLA to carry out further investigation in money laundering cases based on subsequent complaints filed after the original complaint.

A review of Supreme Court's judgment on legal validity of various provisions of PMLA in Vijay Madanlal Chaudhary case is currently pending before the top court.