New Delhi:The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a serious notice to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The court intervened on a petition by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleging that the state government obstructed the ED’s search at the office of political consultancy firm I-PAC. Also, the Supreme Court stayed the FIR lodged by the state police against the agency officials and ordered to preserve the complete CCTV footage of the January 8 incident.
Supreme Court takes cognizance of ED’s petition
The division bench of Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi issued a notice to the West Bengal government and described the seriousness of the matter as a very serious issue. The court said that a thorough judicial investigation is necessary in this case to ensure that the law is followed and criminals do not get a chance to escape under the protection of any state law-enforcement agency. The Supreme Court sought a reply to the ED’s petition from the state government within three days.
CBI investigation
ED alleged that during the search operation, senior officials interfered in its legal investigation. Giving interim relief, the court stayed all FIRs till 3 February. Also directed the state government to preserve the CCTV footage related to the January 8 incident without any changes.
There was a disturbance in Calcutta High Court.
The Supreme Court also expressed concern over the irregularities in the Calcutta High Court. During the searches in the premises associated with I-PAC, a chaotic situation was created in the courtroom, due to which the hearing had to be adjourned till January 14. The ED alleges that the state government’s action hindered the agency’s statutory investigation and should be considered a serious sign.
Opposition and ED’s arguments
ED demanded action and suspension from the court against the accused. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that ED is taking action only within the legal ambit and is not taking any personal benefit. At the same time, senior advocate Kapil Sibal accused the ED of parallel proceedings, saying that the case should be heard in the High Court first.
Trinamool Congress’s side
The ED claimed that Mamata Banerjee entered the premises and removed important evidence, while the Chief Minister accused the agency of interference. Trinamool Congress denied creating any obstruction. West Bengal Police has registered an FIR against ED officials in connection with this incident.
Comments are closed.