Supreme Court Criticizes West Bengal CM Amid Ongoing ED Investigation
The Supreme Court has issued a stern warning to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding her interference in an ongoing Enforcement Directorate investigation. The court emphasized that such actions threaten the democratic framework of the country. In a related move, the ED has intensified its scrutiny of TMC leaders, summoning candidates Sujit Bose and Rathin Ghosh to appear for questioning. This situation unfolds just before the crucial assembly elections, raising significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
| Apr 22, 2026, 18:46 IST
Supreme Court's Stern Warning to Mamata Banerjee
On the eve of the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, the Supreme Court issued a strong reprimand to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a hearing regarding the I-PAC raid case, responding to a petition from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The apex court remarked that her interference in an ongoing investigation jeopardizes democratic processes. This statement was made during the hearing on Wednesday. The bench clarified that this is not a dispute between the center and the state, but rather a situation where a chief minister is intervening at a critical stage of the investigation.
Court's Concerns Over Democratic Integrity
The court emphasized that such behavior poses a direct threat to the democratic framework. The Supreme Court noted that this is not merely a conflict between the state and the center. Instead, it involves an individual, who is also the chief minister, meddling during an investigation and endangering democracy. The judges expressed their disbelief that a day would come when a chief minister would interfere in an ongoing inquiry. They further stated that the chief minister has put the entire system at risk.
ED Intensifies Action Against TMC Leaders
ED's Increased Scrutiny on TMC Officials
In a related development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has escalated its actions against leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The agency has issued a fourth summons to party candidates Sujit Bose and Rathin Ghosh, instructing them to appear before it on April 24. Sujit Bose is contesting from the Bidhannagar assembly constituency in the 2026 elections, while Rathin Ghosh is in the fray from Madhyamgram.