New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday described as “very serious” the Enforcement Directorate’s allegations that it faced obstruction from the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during recent raids linked to an alleged coal smuggling case.
A Bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Vipul Pancholi said it would issue notice and examine the matter in detail. Making oral observations, the Bench noted that the allegations raised significant constitutional and legal concerns that could not be ignored.
The apex court also expressed strong concern over the disruption witnessed at the Calcutta High Court during hearings related to the ED’s search and seizure operations at premises connected to political consultancy firm I-PAC. The High Court had earlier adjourned proceedings till January 14, citing uncontrollable chaos inside the courtroom.
Appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the alleged interference by the West Bengal government reflected a “shocking pattern.” He argued that on previous occasions too, statutory authorities had been obstructed while exercising lawful powers, claiming that such actions demoralise central agencies.
Mehta urged the Supreme Court to take cognisance of the situation and set an example, asserting that officers present during the alleged obstruction should face action. He also claimed there was material evidence indicating that incriminating documents were present at the I-PAC office during the raids.
Referring to the disruption at the Calcutta High Court, the Solicitor General said that a large number of individuals, including advocates, entered the courtroom, forcing the adjournment. He remarked that such incidents reflect a breakdown of democratic norms.
Opposing the ED’s submissions, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the West Bengal government, argued that the matter should first be adjudicated by the Calcutta High Court, following judicial hierarchy. He accused the ED of initiating parallel proceedings and rejected claims that key digital devices were seized or taken away by the Chief Minister.
Sibal cited the ED’s own search records to dispute the allegations and questioned the timing of the raids, pointing out that the last statement in the coal scam probe was recorded in February 2024.
The ED approached the Supreme Court following incidents on January 8, when its officials reportedly faced resistance during raids at the I-PAC office in Salt Lake and the residence of its director Pratik Jain in Kolkata. The agency has alleged that CM Mamata Banerjee entered the premises and removed crucial evidence, a charge strongly denied by the Chief Minister and the Trinamool Congress.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal Police have registered an FIR against ED officials, further escalating the confrontation between the state government and the central probe agency. The matter is currently under hearing.
