Tensions in the political-legal arena intensified as the Supreme Court scheduled the next phase of the ED’s petition against Mamata Banerjee for February 10, following a raid controversy at I-PAC offices. The federal probe agency accuses the West Bengal CM and her government of undermining a lawful search in Kolkata.
Details emerged during ED raids on Indian Political Action Committee’s premises and co-founder Prateek Jain’s home, where police allegedly blocked access, intimidated teams, and flouted central directives. This, ED argues, crippled their anti-money laundering efforts.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, in fiery submissions, branded the interference a democratic outrage, pushing for FIRs against Banerjee and top cops. An earlier court order froze such moves, prioritized evidence security, and demanded official affidavits.
Countering sharply, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi for the state called out ED for court-shopping, emphasizing relief options in the Calcutta High Court.
The latest hearing pivoted on timing: state’s reply landed same-day, giving ED no prep time. Justices granted the extension, ensuring a thorough rebuttal ahead.
Observers note this saga exemplifies deepening center-state rifts, with ED’s expanding footprint clashing against regional strongholds. The upcoming hearing could redefine boundaries of cooperation in high-profile investigations, impacting national discourse on governance and accountability.