The Bombay High Court on Tuesday imposed a cost of Rs 1 lakh on the Enforcement Directorate for initiating a money laundering probe against a realty developer without "proper application of mind", noting central agencies must conduct themselves within the framework of law, reported news agency PTI.

While imposing the fine on the ED, a single bench of Justice Milind Jadhav observed that a "strong message" needs to be sent to the law enforcement agencies to ensure citizens are not harassed, reported PTI.