The Supreme Court is set to hear the Enforcement Directorate’s plea alleging interference by the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during recent search operations at the office of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC). The matter is scheduled for hearing on February 18 before a bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and K. V. Viswanathan.
The hearing was postponed last week due to senior advocate Kapil Sibal’s ill health. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, informed the court about Sibal’s inability to appear, leading to the deferral of the hearing to February 18.
Acceding to the request, the bench deferred the matter for further hearing on February 18. The ED has sought court directions to register FIRs against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the state DGP, and the Kolkata Police Commissioner, alleging obstruction during search operations.
In her counter-affidavit, Chief Minister Banerjee denied all allegations, stating her presence at the premises was to retrieve confidential data of her party. She clarified that her visit was to secure sensitive political data vital for the Trinamool Congress’ election strategy.
