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NEW DELHI – In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday stayed all investigations and FIRs registered by the West Bengal Police against Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials. The bench, comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi, observed that the case raises “serious issues” regarding the interference of state agencies in central investigations, warning that such a precedent could lead to “lawlessness” across the country.
The court issued formal notices to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the State Government, DGP Rajeev Kumar, and the Kolkata Police Commissioner, seeking their responses within two weeks.
Core of the Conflict: The I-PAC Raid
The legal battle stems from an ED raid conducted on January 8, 2026, at the Kolkata office of I-PAC (Indian Political Action Committee) and the residence of its co-founder, Pratik Jain. The ED claims the searches were part of a money-laundering probe linked to a ₹2,742-crore coal smuggling case.
However, the raid took a dramatic turn when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee allegedly arrived at the scene. The ED has accused the CM of:
Obstructing a lawful search: Alleging she “barged in” and interfered with statutory duties.
Theft of Evidence: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, alleged that the CM and police officers took away sensitive documents and an ED officer’s mobile phone.
Criminal Intimidation: The ED moved the Supreme Court seeking a CBI probe into the incident, calling the actions of the state authorities “shocking.”
The State’s Defense
Representing the West Bengal government, senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi dismissed the allegations as “blatant lies.” They argued:
The ED’s action was politically motivated, occurring just months before the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
The agency was attempting to seize “sensitive election records” of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which have no connection to the coal scam.
The FIRs against the ED officers were filed based on complaints of “theft” of party-related data by the agency itself.
“Is Courtroom Jantar Mantar?”
The Supreme Court also expressed strong displeasure over the “commotion” that occurred at the Calcutta High Court last week, which prevented a hearing on the same matter.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta alleged that TMC legal cells had organized a “mobocracy” to disrupt the proceedings. Justice Mishra remarked, “Is the courtroom Jantar Mantar? This is very disturbing. If the rule of law is to be maintained, each organ must function independently.”
Key Directions from the Bench
The Apex Court passed several interim directions to ensure the integrity of the evidence:
Stay on FIRs: All police proceedings against ED officers involved in the January 8 raid are frozen until the next hearing.
Preservation of Footage: The West Bengal Police must preserve all CCTV footage and storage devices from the I-PAC premises and surrounding areas.
Independent Examination: The court will examine if a state can use its law enforcement to shield individuals from a central agency’s bona fide investigation.
Next Step: The matter is scheduled for a follow-up hearing on February 3, 2026, after the respondents file their Zcounter-affidavits.
