Amid escalating tensions between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over Thursday’s raids on political consulting firm I-PAC, the West Bengal government has taken a significant legal step by filing a caveat in the Supreme Court.
The caveat, filed by Kunal Mimani on behalf of the state government, urges the apex court not to pass any unilateral order in connection with the I-PAC raid without hearing the state’s arguments. A caveat is filed as a precautionary measure to ensure that no ex parte order is issued.
The move comes against the backdrop of strong speculation that the ED may soon approach the Supreme Court in connection with the raids conducted last Thursday at the I-PAC office in Salt Lake Sector V and the Loudon Street residence of I-PAC chief Pratik Jain. The central agency has indicated that it is exploring all legal options, including moving the country’s highest court.
According to ED sources, senior officials have already begun consultations with the department’s legal cell to finalise the future course of action. The next steps, sources said, will be taken based on legal advice.
The political and legal fallout from the raids continues to deepen. Sources claim that the ED is considering filing a case in the Supreme Court alleging interference in its investigation by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the officials who accompanied her during the operation. There are indications that such a petition could be filed shortly.
On Thursday morning, soon after news of the ED search operation emerged, Mamata, along with the Kolkata Police Commissioner, arrived at Jain’s residence. After some time, the Chief Minister was seen leaving the premises carrying a green file. She later went to the I-PAC office in Salt Lake Sector V, where her presence during the ongoing raid triggered a major controversy.
Subsequently, the ED moved the Calcutta High Court, alleging obstruction of its investigation. The agency sought inclusion of the Chief Minister’s name and those of the accompanying officials in the case. However, Justice Shubhra Ghosh adjourned the matter and fixed February 14 as the next date of hearing.
The ED later approached the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court seeking an urgent hearing, but the request was turned down. The court observed that since the case was already pending before a designated bench, it could not be transferred, and the hearing would take place on the scheduled date.
In political and legal circles, the West Bengal government’s decision to file a caveat in the Supreme Court is being seen as a move that significantly widens the scope of the ongoing legal battle between the state and the central investigative agency.
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