Singer Adnan Sami has been charged with a fine of INR 5 million for purchasing flats in Mumbai in 2003 while being a Pakistani citizen.

The Appellate Tribunal for the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) has imposed the penalty on him.

In December 2010, FEMA had initially cancelled the order of the Enforcement Directorate Special Director (Mumbai) which ordered the confiscation of Adnan’s properties. However, penalty has been increased from INR 2 million to INR 5 million.

“The impugned order is set aside as far as exercise of discretion under Section 13(2) of the Act. The finding arrived under Section 13(1) shall remain intact. Mr Sami shall deposit the remaining ₹40 lakh with the respondent [ED] within three months from today. As no case under Section 13(2) (about the confiscation of eight flats and five parking space)…the said findings and part of the order is quashed,” the verdict read.

Sami has been instructed to pay the full amount within three months. He has paid INR 1 million so far.