The Calcutta High Court witnessed unprecedented chaos on Friday, forcing Justice Suvra Ghosh to adjourn the high-stakes hearing related to the confrontation between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The hearing on petitions from both sides has now been postponed to January 14.
Courtroom Descends Into Chaos, Judge Forced to Walk Out
Justice Ghosh was scheduled to hear the petitions at 2:30 PM. However, the situation in Courtroom No. 5 deteriorated rapidly after the lunch break. A large gathering of lawyers and others created a ruckus, making it impossible for the proceedings to continue. Despite repeated pleas from the judge to maintain decorum, the commotion continued unabated.
"Several requests made by the court to maintain decorum and dignity fell on deaf ears. The environment in the courtroom is not conducive to commence/continue with the hearing," Justice Ghosh stated in her order. Expressing clear annoyance, she declared, "I cannot hear anything," before walking out and announcing the forced adjournment.
The Legal Battle and Immediate Aftermath
The legal clash stems from events that unfolded on Thursday afternoon. The ED was conducting searches at the Loudon Street residence of I-PAC director Pratik Jain in connection with a 2020 money laundering case. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the scene and later proceeded to I-PAC's Salt Lake Sector V office, where she stayed for nearly four hours.
The ED's petition accuses the CM, along with DGP Rajeev Kumar and Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Varma, of "theft of digital devices and other evidence, and wrongful restraint" of central government officers. Conversely, Mamata Banerjee's petition alleges the ED is acting at the behest of the BJP to "snatch" Trinamool Congress's election strategy data ahead of the assembly polls.
Following the adjournment, the ED's counsel, Dhiraj Trivedi, immediately approached Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul seeking an urgent hearing. This plea was rejected, with Acting CJ Paul stating there was no justification for an urgent hearing after the assigned judge had already fixed a date.
What Happens Next?
All eyes are now on the rescheduled date of January 14. The adjournment highlights the intense political and legal tensions surrounding the ED's investigation into the political consultancy firm linked to the ruling Trinamool Congress. The incident also raises serious questions about courtroom management during high-profile, politically charged cases. The stage is set for a fierce legal battle when the hearing finally commences in a, hopefully, more orderly environment.
