Supreme Court To Hear ED’s Plea Against Mamata Banerjee Over I-PAC Raid Tomorrow
West Bengal CM challenges enforcement action as legal battle reaches apex court
NEW DELHI — The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) petition against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tomorrow, in a case stemming from raids conducted on the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC).
The matter has escalated to the country’s highest judicial forum after Banerjee challenged the ED’s enforcement actions, raising questions about the procedural and jurisdictional aspects of the investigation. The case has drawn significant attention given the political prominence of the parties involved and the broader implications for federal-state relations.
The I-PAC, a political consultancy firm that has worked with various political parties including Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress, came under the ED’s scanner as part of an ongoing investigation. The agency conducted raids on I-PAC offices, which subsequently led to legal challenges from the West Bengal administration.
Sources indicate that the Supreme Court bench will examine the grounds of appeal filed by the ED, which contests certain procedural objections raised by the state government. The hearing comes at a time when several opposition leaders have alleged misuse of central investigative agencies for political purposes—charges that the central government has consistently denied.
Legal experts suggest that the Supreme Court’s observations and eventual ruling could set important precedents regarding the scope and limitations of enforcement agencies’ powers, particularly in cases involving political entities and state functionaries.
The West Bengal Chief Minister has been vocal in her criticism of what she terms “political vendetta” through central agencies. However, the ED maintains that its actions are driven purely by evidence and legal mandates under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The matter is listed for hearing tomorrow, and the court’s decision on whether to grant interim relief or proceed with detailed hearings will be closely watched by political and legal observers across the country.
