New Delhi, Nov 30 (IANS): In an interim relief to former Union Minister and TDP MP Y.S. Chowdary, the Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) not to take coercive steps against him in a case related to alleged financial irregularities.

Justice Najmi Waziri asked Chowdary to appear before the ED on Monday and cooperate in the ongoing investigation against him.

The court asked the ED to file a response on the plea and listed the matter for further hearing on December 18.

The court was hearing Chowdary's plea seeking quashing of summons issued against him by the ED. The ED has asked Chowdary to appear in a case pertaining to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The TDP MP is accused of bank fraud.

Chowdary, a member of the Rajya Sabha, is a close aide of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Chowdary was Minister of Science and Technology in the Modi cabinet till March when the TDP pulled out of the NDA government.