Supreme Court to Hear ED's Petition Against Mamata Banerjee on Thursday
The Supreme Court of India will hear a significant petition on Thursday. The Enforcement Directorate filed this petition against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The agency accuses her of obstructing a raid and tampering with evidence.
Details of the Petition and Allegations
A bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Vipul M Pancholi will preside over the hearing. The ED filed this writ petition under Article 32 of the Indian Constitution. It targets multiple parties including the State of West Bengal, CM Mamata Banerjee, state DGP Rajeev Kumar, Kolkata police commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, and South Kolkata deputy commissioner Priyabatra Roy.
The petition stems from an incident involving a raid on I-PAC's Pratik Jain. The ED alleges that Mamata Banerjee and top police officials obstructed this raid. They are also accused of stealing evidence and intimidating ED officials during the operation.
Serious Charges Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
The Enforcement Directorate has leveled serious charges in its petition. It accuses the Chief Minister and police brass of committing seventeen distinct offences. These offences fall under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The listed charges include robbery, dacoity, and theft. Other allegations involve assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from duty. The ED also claims the officials caused the disappearance and destruction of evidence. Criminal intimidation forms another part of the accusations.
In strong language, the ED termed the incident as shocking, unprecedented, and extraordinary. The agency stated that protectors of the law, including the CM, DGP, and Kolkata police commissioner, are party to serious cognisable offences. According to the ED, these actions require the registration of an FIR.
West Bengal Government's Preemptive Action
The West Bengal government has already taken a preemptive step. It filed a caveat in the Supreme Court. This move aims to prevent the ED from seeking and obtaining an ex parte order without the state's representation.
The hearing on Thursday promises to be a crucial legal battle. It pits central investigative agencies against state authorities in a high-stakes confrontation. Legal experts are watching this case closely for its implications on federal relations and law enforcement protocols.
