In connection with allegations of illegal online and offline betting, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday stayed the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against H. Anil Gowda, a lawyer and son of Hanumantharaya, a Congress leader from Bengaluru’s Rajarajeshwari Nagar, who is also a close associate of MLA Veerendra Pappy. The court further directed the ED to refrain from taking coercive action against Anil Gowda.

A single-judge bench of Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum granted interim relief to Anil Gowda, who had filed an interim application seeking to quash the ED’s investigation and prevent coercive measures. The court considered his plea and issued the following order:Also Read: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, Asia Cup 2025: Here is the Match Summary

“The issue regarding the issuance of summons to the lawyer is pending before the Supreme Court. On this basis, Anil Gowda is entitled to interim protection. Accordingly, a stay is granted on the summons issued by the ED to Anil Gowda on August 24, 2025. Until the matter pending in the Supreme Court is resolved, the ED is restrained from invoking Section 50 of the PMLA Act against Anil Gowda or taking any coercive action against him,” the court directed.Levi's Men's Slim Fit Mid Rise 511 Mid-Rise Jeans

Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa, representing the petitioner, argued, “Anil Gowda is a practicing lawyer and serves as a legal advisor to K.C. Veerendra. He has only provided legal advice to Veerendra and made investments in his companies but has not been involved in their day-to-day operations. The ED has issued summons and demanded documents in a politically motivated and mala fide manner, exceeding its jurisdiction. The scope of the ED’s authority is currently under Supreme Court scrutiny. As Anil Gowda provided legal advice to Veerendra, the ED should be restrained from summoning him for questioning.” The court accepted this submission and granted the relief.