The Supreme Court has expressed deep concern over disruptions in the Calcutta High Court and alleged interference by the West Bengal government in ED raids linked to I-PAC. The apex court has termed the matter serious and decided to examine it closely.
Supreme Court Of India
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over the disruption that took place inside the Calcutta High Court during a hearing related to alleged obstruction of Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids.
These raids were conducted at the office and residence of individuals linked to I-PAC, a political consultancy associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The issue has sparked a major legal and political controversy in West Bengal, especially following a direct confrontation between the ED and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
ED approaches SC over I-PAC raid controversy; Demands FIR against Mamata Banerjee and officials
Last week, the situation escalated inside the Calcutta High Court when Justice Suvra Ghosh was forced to postpone hearings due to what was described as “enormous disturbance and commotion” in the courtroom.
The disruption reportedly occurred while petitions concerning the ED raids were being heard. This unusual courtroom disorder raised serious concerns about judicial decorum and independence, prompting national attention.
Centre agency takes Mamata government to Supreme Court for I-PAC raid case
During a hearing on Thursday, the Supreme Court stated that it was “very much disturbed” by the incidents that unfolded in the Calcutta High Court.
A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi noted the gravity of the situation and indicated that the matter warranted close examination. The apex court made it clear that such disruptions within court premises undermine the rule of law and cannot be ignored.
Appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta alleged that the West Bengal government, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, had interfered in the ED’s lawful investigation.
He claimed that during the search operation at the I-PAC office and the residence of its chief, the chief minister and senior police officials arrived at the scene and obstructed the process.
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According to Mehta, this pattern of interference has occurred in the past whenever statutory authorities have exercised their legal powers in the state.
The ED further informed the Supreme Court that incriminating materials were present at the searched premises but were allegedly removed without authorisation. Mehta described this act as an “offence of theft,” stating that documents and even the mobile phone of an ED official were taken away.
He emphasized that the local police had been informed in advance about the raid, yet their actions later hindered the investigation. Such interference, Mehta argued, could demoralize central forces and discourage officers from performing their duties fearlessly.
Taking note of the ED’s submissions, the Supreme Court termed the issue as “very serious” and said it intended to issue notices and examine the allegations thoroughly.
The court’s intervention is seen as crucial in determining accountability and ensuring that investigative agencies can function without undue pressure or obstruction.
