New Delhi witnessed a significant development in the ongoing I-PAC raid controversy on Friday, as the Supreme Court postponed the hearing on the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) petition against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her state government to February 10. The case revolves around allegations of interference by state authorities during ED’s search operations at the offices of political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in Kolkata.
The ED has accused the West Bengal government and Banerjee personally of obstructing its investigation. During raids on I-PAC’s premises and the residence of co-founder Prateek Jain, state police and officials allegedly intervened, preventing the central agency from executing its duties. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, described the incident as a grave assault on democratic institutions, claiming central officers were intimidated and barred from performing legal obligations.
In a prior hearing, the apex court had stayed any FIR against Banerjee, the state’s DGP, and Kolkata Police Commissioner, while directing preservation of CCTV footage and digital evidence from the raid sites. The court also mandated affidavits from the Chief Minister and senior police officials within two weeks.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the West Bengal government, contested the ED’s plea, labeling it as forum shopping since similar petitions were pending in the Calcutta High Court. He argued that adequate remedies were available there.
During today’s proceedings, Mehta informed the bench that the state’s response was received only that morning, necessitating time for the ED to file a rejoinder. Justice BR Gavai-led bench accommodated the request, scheduling the next hearing for February 10. This delay underscores the complexities in center-state tussles over investigative powers, with broader implications for federal probes in politically charged environments.
As the nation watches, the outcome could set precedents on the extent of state interference in central agency operations, potentially reshaping enforcement dynamics across India.