Supreme Court Takes Notice of ED's Claims Against West Bengal Government
Serious Allegations Against West Bengal Government
New Delhi: On Thursday, the Supreme Court expressed serious concern regarding the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) claims of obstruction by the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during their investigations at the I-PAC office related to a coal pilferage scandal.
A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi indicated their intention to issue a notice to further investigate the allegations, stating, "This is a very serious matter; we will issue a notice to examine it thoroughly."
The court also voiced its discontent over the disorder witnessed at the Calcutta High Court during proceedings concerning the ED's actions. The High Court had postponed its hearing on the ED's search operations until January 14 due to the chaotic environment in the courtroom.
During the hearing, the ED highlighted that the West Bengal government's interference during their raids demonstrated a troubling pattern of behavior.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, informed the bench that Chief Minister Banerjee had previously disrupted statutory authorities while they exercised their powers.
Mehta remarked, "This reflects a shocking pattern that could embolden such actions, demoralizing central forces." He emphasized the need for accountability, suggesting that officers present during the incident should face suspension.
He further asserted that there was substantial evidence indicating the presence of incriminating materials at the I-PAC office.
Mehta urged the court to take cognizance of the situation, stating, "We are here to uphold our officers' fundamental rights and act within the law without seeking personal benefits."
He also noted that a significant number of advocates and others had entered the Calcutta High Court during the ED's plea, leading to the adjournment of the case, which he described as a situation where mob rule supersedes democracy.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal countered Mehta's arguments, asserting that the case should be addressed by the Calcutta High Court first, emphasizing the importance of following proper legal hierarchy. He accused the ED of initiating parallel proceedings.
Sibal referenced video evidence from the raid, claiming, "It is a blatant lie that all digital devices were confiscated. The assertion that CM Mamata Banerjee removed all devices is false, as shown by the ED's own search record."
He questioned the ED's urgency, noting that the last statement in the coal scam case was recorded in February 2024, asking, "What has the ED been doing since then? Why the sudden interest during election season?"
The hearing is ongoing.
The ED's petition to the Supreme Court follows incidents from January 8, when its officials encountered obstructions during raids at the I-PAC office in Salt Lake and the Kolkata residence of its director, Pratik Jain, in connection with the coal smuggling investigation.
The agency has alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee entered the premises and removed crucial evidence related to the case.
In response, Banerjee has accused the central agency of overstepping its bounds, while her party, the Trinamool Congress, has denied the ED's claims of interference. Additionally, the state's police have filed an FIR against ED officers.