Today, On 10th February, The Supreme Court adjourned to February 18 the Enforcement Directorate’s plea alleging that the West Bengal government obstructed its I-PAC search operations. The matter involves allegations of interference during raids linked to the coal pilferage scam.
The Supreme Court postponed the hearing on a petition filed by the ED, which claims that the West Bengal government, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, obstructed its search operations at the I-PAC office and the residence of its director in relation to an alleged coal pilferage scam.
The bench, consisting of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Sandeep Mehta, adjourned the case until February 18 after being informed of senior advocate Kapil Sibal’s illness.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta consented to the delay.
Earlier, The West Bengal government informed the Supreme Court that admitting the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) petition regarding the raid on the political consultancy firm, I-PAC, in Kolkata would establish a “dangerous precedent.”
The government argues that the petition is not maintainable both factually and legally under Article 32 of the Constitution and should be dismissed immediately with exemplary costs.
The ED has approached the apex court, requesting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior police officials for allegedly interfering in a money laundering investigation and illegally staying search operations atI-PAC.
The petition, filed under Article 32, includes the state government, Chief Minister Banerjee, and others as parties.
Previously, During a hearing on January 15, the Supreme Court remarked that “it is a very serious matter,” acknowledging that significant questions have been raised that, if left unresolved, could exacerbate the situation and lead to lawlessness in various states.
Previously, the West Bengal government filed a caveat in the Apex Court, requesting that no orders be issued without considering its position in the matter.
A caveat, as per Section 148A of the Code of Civil Procedure, ensures that the court does not grant any ex parte orders against a party without allowing it an opportunity to respond.
This situation arises after the ED conducted searches at various locations related to I-PAC and Pratik Jain in Kolkata on January 8.
The ED has asserted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee allegedly intruded during the raid, taking away significant evidence, including documents and electronic devices. Banerjee, however, has firmly rejected these charges and accused the central agency of overstepping its bounds.
Earlier, On January 9, the ED additionally approached the Calcutta High Court seeking a CBI investigation against Banerjee. The agency alleged that the Chief Minister, aided by the state police, disrupted search procedures and removed incriminating materials during the operation at Pratik Jain’s residence.
ED officials had conducted searches at the I-PAC office in Kolkata on January 8, related to the coal scam money laundering investigation.
Case Title: Directorate of Enforcement v. The State of West Bengal