The Enforcement Directorate (ED) expressed to the Supreme Court its feeling of being “terrorised” in West Bengal. This statement was made during a hearing where the agency refuted claims of weaponising its powers. The ED sought the court’s intervention regarding alleged interference by the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in recent search operations at the office of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) and the residence of its co-founder in Kolkata.
Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the ED, strongly denied the accusation that the agency had misused its authority. Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra had raised concerns about the ED’s exercise of power, prompting the response that the agency felt “terrorised” rather than weaponised. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on March 18, as the ED is expected to file its rejoinder.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court about the ED’s intention to file a rejoinder and requested an adjournment due to the ill health of senior advocate Kapil Sibal. The ED has approached the Supreme Court seeking directions to register FIRs against Mamata Banerjee, the state DGP, and the Kolkata Police Commissioner for allegedly obstructing lawful duties during search operations. Banerjee, in her counter-affidavit, denied any interference and stated that her presence during the searches was solely to retrieve confidential data related to her party’s election strategy.
