The Supreme Court witnessed heated arguments on Thursday as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's legal team questioned the timing of an Enforcement Directorate raid. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress, pointedly asked why the central agency initiated action just before elections.
"Why Now?" Question Dominates Hearing
During the hearing, Sibal highlighted a crucial detail from the ED's own petition. He noted that the last statement in the case was recorded back in February 2024. "Why was the need to start this just before elections?" Sibal demanded before the bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi.
ED Presents Serious Allegations
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, presented serious allegations against the West Bengal government. He claimed the state's interference followed a disturbing pattern. Mehta argued that whenever statutory authorities exercised their powers, Chief Minister Banerjee barged in and obstructed their work.
"It reflects a very shocking pattern," Mehta told the court. He warned that such actions would only encourage similar behavior in the future. The solicitor general expressed concern that central forces would become demoralized if such interference continued unchecked.
The January 8 Incident
The case centers around events that unfolded on January 8, 2026. On that day, ED officials conducted raids at two locations in Kolkata. They searched the Salt Lake office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the residence of its chief, Pratik Jain. The raids were part of an investigation into an alleged coal smuggling case.
According to the ED's version of events, their officials faced significant obstruction during these operations. The agency claims Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally entered the premises and removed key evidence related to their probe. This evidence reportedly included important documents and electronic material like laptops.
Serious Legal Charges Filed
The Enforcement Directorate has leveled serious charges in its Supreme Court petition. The agency accuses Chief Minister Banerjee and top police officials of multiple offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These include:
- Dacoity
- Robbery
- Theft
- Criminal intimidation
The ED specifically named the Director General of Police and the Kolkata Police Commissioner among those allegedly involved in obstructing their investigation.
Why the Supreme Court?
The Enforcement Directorate explained why it approached the Supreme Court directly. According to their submission, the Calcutta High Court could not effectively hear the matter. Heavy crowding and commotion in the courtroom created disruptions that made proper proceedings impossible.
This move came after the Calcutta High Court had adjourned the ED's plea on January 14. The court took this step after learning that the agency had already approached the Supreme Court.
Political Context and Counter-Claims
The hearing unfolded against the backdrop of approaching elections in West Bengal. The political consultancy firm I-PAC has worked extensively with the Trinamool Congress in previous election campaigns. This connection adds significant political weight to the case.
Chief Minister Banerjee has consistently accused the central agency of overreach. Her party, the Trinamool Congress, has firmly denied all allegations of obstructing the ED's probe. In a counter-move, the state police have registered an FIR against ED officers involved in the raids.
Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court disposed of a separate plea from the Trinamool Congress. The party had sought protection for sensitive political data during the raids. The court took this action after the ED stated it had not seized any such data, claiming instead that the Chief Minister had taken it.
Legal Preparations and Next Steps
The West Bengal government has taken precautionary legal measures. They filed a caveat in the Supreme Court to ensure no ex-parte order could be passed against them without a proper hearing. This move demonstrates the state's determination to present its side of the story.
The Supreme Court hearing represents a crucial moment in the ongoing tension between the West Bengal government and central investigative agencies. The court's eventual decision could have significant implications for both the investigation and the political landscape in the state.
