The Calcutta High Court on Monday refused to grant an urgent hearing to a petition filed by former West Bengal minister Sujit Bose, who is challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case. Justice Rajarshi Rao, presiding over the bench, stated that the matter would be included in the June list of cases and heard according to its serial number, effectively denying the request for an immediate hearing.
Background of the Case
Sujit Bose, a former minister in the West Bengal government, was arrested by the ED earlier this month on allegations of involvement in a money laundering scheme. The ED's investigation is reportedly linked to irregularities in the distribution of funds and assets. Bose has denied all charges, claiming that the arrest is politically motivated and that the ED is acting under pressure from the central government.
In his petition, Bose sought urgent intervention from the High Court to declare his arrest illegal and to order his immediate release. However, the court's decision to defer the hearing has come as a setback to the former minister, who remains in ED custody.
Court's Stance
Justice Rao emphasized that the court's calendar for June is already packed with pending matters, and the petition will be taken up in due course. The judge also noted that the petitioner's counsel had not provided sufficient grounds for an urgent hearing. The court's refusal to expedite the hearing means that Bose will have to wait for several weeks before his plea is considered.
Political Reactions
The development has sparked reactions from political circles in West Bengal. Leaders from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) have criticized the ED's actions, alleging a misuse of central agencies to target opposition leaders. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended the ED's investigation, stating that it is a legitimate probe into corruption.
This is not the first time that a former TMC minister has faced ED action. Several leaders from the party have been questioned or arrested in recent months, leading to heightened political tensions in the state.
Next Steps
With the High Court's refusal for an urgent hearing, Bose's legal team is now exploring other options, including approaching a division bench or the Supreme Court for relief. The ED, on the other hand, is expected to continue its investigation and may seek further custody of Bose to unearth more details in the case.
The case is likely to be heard in late June, and until then, Bose remains in judicial custody. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the ongoing political battles between the TMC and the BJP in West Bengal.
