The Supreme Court is set to decide whether the Enforcement Directorate can file writ petitions under Article 226, raising a key constitutional issue on whether central agencies can bypass Article 131 and approach High Courts directly in disputes with States.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking before CJI Surya Kant at the Calcutta High Court’s Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench inauguration, urged the judiciary to protect the Constitution and democracy. Her remarks came amid the ED raids controversy involving I-PAC, with Banerjee alleging deliberate targeting by central agencies.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has requested a high-level judicial investigation into central and state agencies, alleging conspiracies to falsely implicate him in scams linked to the “coal levy” and the Mahadev betting app. He argues that these actions aim to damage his reputation for political reasons.
![[Sandeshkhali Row] NHRC Report Reveals As Human Rights Violation](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-1.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The NHRC report on the Sandeshkhali incident reveals severe human rights violations, including assault, threats, sexual exploitation, and land grabbing. The victims have been compelled to seek livelihoods elsewhere. The NHRC recommended a fair investigation and the appointment of special rapporteurs to address the situation effectively. The report also raises concerns about the deprivation of the right to vote.
The Supreme Court heard the ED’s petition challenging Tamil Nadu’s lack of cooperation in sharing FIRs for money laundering cases. This includes the Ankit Tiwari bribery case. The court proposed a judicial oversight to address conflicts between central and state agencies. It will address these cases on March 20. There are parallels with disputes in West Bengal.