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Supreme Court Ruling on I-PAC Raid Controversy in West Bengal

The Supreme Court has made a pivotal ruling regarding the Enforcement Directorate's raid on the I-PAC office in West Bengal, addressing allegations of interference by state authorities. The court has stayed all FIRs against ED officials and issued notices to the state government, highlighting the serious implications of such interference on law and order. This decision is viewed as a significant relief for the ED while posing challenges for the state government, particularly the Trinamool Congress, which claims that the ED's actions are politically motivated. The court's stance underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of investigations.
By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 15, 2026, 17:50 IST

Significant Supreme Court Decision

The Supreme Court has delivered a crucial verdict regarding the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) raid on the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office in West Bengal.


Key Highlights:



  • The ED accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the state police of interfering in the raid conducted on January 8, 2026, at the I-PAC office located in Salt Lake, Kolkata, and at the residence of its director, Prateek Jain. The ED claimed that evidence, including digital devices and documents, was obstructed from being seized, and some materials were taken away in collaboration with the police, disrupting the investigation. This case is linked to coal smuggling and money laundering.


  • In response, the West Bengal police filed an FIR against the ED officials.


  • On January 15, 2026, a bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Vipul Pancholi heard the ED's petition. The court remarked that interference by state agencies in central investigations is a serious issue. If such matters are not curtailed, it could lead to a deterioration of law and order in the state.


  • Important Orders:



    • All FIRs filed against ED officials have been stayed until the next hearing on February 3, 2026.


    • A notice has been issued to the West Bengal government, requiring Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, DGP Rajeev Kumar, the Kolkata Police Commissioner, and others to respond within two weeks.


    • The court has directed the preservation of CCTV footage and other electronic records from the locations of the raids.


    • The ED has also requested a CBI investigation and the suspension of certain police officials, which the court will consider.





This ruling is seen as a significant relief for the ED and a setback for the state government. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) argues that the ED is attempting to undermine its electoral strategy by stealing information, but the court has taken the interference in the investigation seriously.