Can’t Put Democracy In Peril: Supreme Court raps Mamata Banerjee for interfering in I-PAC probe

The Supreme Court has raised concerns over alleged interference by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in an ED probe, stating such actions could put democracy at risk. The matter relates to raids on I-PAC.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 22 April 2026, 4:27 PM IST

SC raps Mamata Banerjee for interfering in I-PAC probe (Img: Internet)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday made strong observations regarding alleged interference by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in an investigation conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

A bench comprising Justices PK Mishra and NV Anjaria remarked that a sitting Chief Minister cannot take actions that may jeopardize democratic processes, underlining the seriousness of the issue.

‘Not New Practice’: Supreme Court dismisses plea challenging transfer of officers by EC in poll-bound Bengal

Court’s Observations on Democratic Norms

During the hearing, the bench stated that the matter should not be framed as a dispute between the Union and a state government. Instead, it described the allegations as actions by an individual holding constitutional office.

The court noted that such conduct, if proven, could place democratic functioning at risk. It further observed that even prominent constitutional thinkers had not envisaged such a scenario involving a sitting Chief Minister.

Background: ED Raids on I-PAC

The controversy stems from search operations carried out by the ED in January at the office of political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in Kolkata, as well as at the residence of its founder Pratik Jain.

The raids were part of an investigation linked to an alleged coal-related scam. The ED has claimed that its officials faced obstruction during these operations.

Petitions and Demand for CBI Probe

The ED has approached the Supreme Court seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the alleged obstruction, invoking Article 32 of the Constitution.

Trafficking of bonded labourers: Supreme Court asks labour ministry to file affidavit

The court was hearing these petitions along with arguments presented by Senior Advocate Meneka Guruswamy, who appeared for a West Bengal police officer and questioned the maintainability of the plea.

Earlier Observations and Ongoing Hearing

In earlier proceedings, the top court had termed the alleged obstruction of the ED’s probe as “very serious” and stayed FIRs filed against ED officials involved in the raids. It also agreed to examine whether state law enforcement agencies can interfere with investigations carried out by central agencies in cases involving serious offences.

The matter remains under consideration, with the court expected to further examine the legal and constitutional implications of the allegations.