In a significant development for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, the Supreme Court on Thursday stayed proceedings initiated against officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with searches conducted at the offices of political consultancy firm I-PAC in Kolkata.
A Bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi also directed authorities to preserve all CCTV footage related to the raids. Observing that failure to intervene could result in “lawlessness,” the court underscored the seriousness of the matter. The next hearing has been scheduled for February 3.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the West Bengal government, opposed the stay on proceedings against ED officials during the hearing.
Background of the Case
The ED approached the Supreme Court after its officers allegedly faced obstruction during search operations at I-PAC’s Salt Lake office and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain, on January 8. The raids were conducted as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged coal smuggling case.
The central agency has alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee entered the premises during the searches and removed what it described as “key” evidence linked to the probe. The Chief Minister, however, has accused the ED of overreach, while the Trinamool Congress has denied allegations of obstruction. The West Bengal Police subsequently registered an FIR against ED officials.
The searches took place months ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Mamata Banerjee-led TMC has been in power in the state since 2011, winning three consecutive Assembly elections.
ED Seeks Independent Probe
The ED has alleged repeated interference and non-cooperation by the state administration and has sought directions for an independent inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), arguing that a neutral central agency is required given the alleged involvement of the state executive.
Prior to moving the Supreme Court, the ED had approached the Calcutta High Court on January 9, seeking a CBI probe against the Chief Minister. The agency claimed that incriminating documents were taken from its custody during the search at Pratik Jain’s residence, allegedly with the assistance of police personnel.
On Wednesday, the Calcutta High Court adjourned the hearing on the ED’s petition. It also disposed of a plea filed by the TMC seeking protection of its data, after the ED informed the court that it had not seized any materials from Jain’s office or residence during the raids.
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