By: The Trek News Desk
The Supreme Court has put a halt to further proceedings in FIRs lodged against Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials by the West Bengal Police in connection with searches conducted at premises linked to political consultancy firm I-PAC in Kolkata. The apex court has also issued notices to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other respondents on a petition filed by the ED.
A bench comprising Justice P.K. Mishra and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, while hearing the matter, directed that CCTV footage and other digital material related to the search operations be preserved to ensure that evidence remains intact.
Prima Facie a Serious Matter: SC
While issuing notice, the Supreme Court observed that the case raises serious questions at first glance regarding alleged interference by state agencies in investigations carried out by central agencies, particularly the ED. The bench emphasised that to uphold the rule of law and ensure that institutions function independently, such issues require thorough judicial examination.
The court noted that ignoring such disputes could aggravate law-and-order challenges, especially in a federal setup where different political parties govern different states.
Investigation vs Political Work
The bench clarified that while central agencies do not have the authority to interfere in the election-related activities of any political party, an important legal question arises if investigations into serious offences are obstructed under the cover of political activity.
During the hearing, senior advocate A.M. Singhvi, appearing for the West Bengal government, urged the court not to stay the FIR proceedings entirely and instead direct that no coercive steps be taken. However, the bench declined the request.
Justice Mishra remarked that if ED officials were acting under valid authorisation, their actions would be presumed to have been carried out in good faith.
Concern Over High Court Disruption
The Supreme Court also expressed concern over the disruption witnessed at the Calcutta High Court on January 14, which led to the adjournment of proceedings. Justice Mishra termed the situation disturbing, warning that similar incidents could occur in other high courts if such trends continue.
Background of the I-PAC Searches
On January 8, the ED conducted searches at multiple locations associated with I-PAC as part of an investigation into alleged coal smuggling and money laundering. I-PAC is currently managing the election campaign of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
During the searches, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the residence of I-PAC director Pratik Jain and was seen leaving with a laptop and some files. She later went to the firm’s office and took additional documents.
Following these events, both the ED and the TMC approached the Calcutta High Court. On Wednesday, the high court disposed of the TMC’s plea seeking protection of “private and confidential political data” after the ED informed the court that no material had been seized during the raids.
Source: News Agencies
