West Bengal has told the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate’s own records show the I-PAC searches were conducted peacefully without police interference. The State also argued that ED’s Article 32 plea is not maintainable as a government agency cannot claim violation of fundamental rights.
The Calcutta High Court has directed the Election Commission and the West Bengal government to file reports on a PIL alleging withdrawal of election-related infrastructure work. The Court said the EC has the authority to ensure proper facilities for the smooth conduct of the upcoming Bengal Assembly elections.
The Calcutta High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the hazardous air pollution crisis in the Kolkata–Howrah region after AQI levels touched 330–350. The Court has sought responses from the West Bengal government and concerned authorities, calling the situation a continuing public health emergency.
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.
