New Delhi: Supreme Court hears ED’s criminal writ alleging obstruction by West Bengal CM in I-PAC raids; Calcutta High Court had closed TMC’s petition after ED stated no seizure occurred
The legal confrontation arising from the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) search operations at political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) has escalated to the Supreme Court of India, with the agency seeking judicial intervention on multiple fronts. These include a request for a CBI investigation into alleged obstruction of its probe by the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, and State police officials. Fresh developments were heard by a Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul M. Pancholi on January 15, 2026.
These proceedings follow a recent order of the Calcutta High Court, which, after recording the ED’s stand that no seizure was made during the January 8 raids, disposed of a separate petition filed by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) seeking protection and preservation of alleged political data.
Calcutta High Court: “Nothing Remains to Be Dealt With”
Before the High Court, a Single Judge Bench presided over by Justice Suvra Ghosh had been hearing a petition filed by the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), which claimed that confidential political strategy data was seized during the I-PAC raids and that such action amounted to interference with its electoral process ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
However, on January 14, 2026, the ED clarified that its official panchnama reflected no seizure of documents or electronic devices, and that any material removed from the I-PAC premises was taken by others, including the Chief Minister and her associates, and not by the ED itself.
Recording this submission, the High Court held that the TMC’s grievance had been rendered academic and disposed of the petition, observing that “nothing remains to be dealt with.”
Supreme Court Takes Up ED’s Pleas
Subsequently, the ED moved a criminal writ petition before the Supreme Court (W.P. (Crl.) No. 16 of 2026), alleging that Mamata Banerjee, senior police officials, and the State administration interfered with and obstructed a lawful central investigation conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
According to the ED, the Chief Minister arrived at the search site along with senior party leaders and police officers while the search was underway, entered the premises, and removed files and electronic devices forming part of the investigation, thereby compromising the agency’s work.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court noted that the issues raised were “serious” and could give rise to a “situation of lawlessness” if left unresolved. The Court emphasised the need to examine whether State agencies can interfere with bona fide central investigatory action.
The Court issued notices to the State of West Bengal, the Chief Minister, and senior police officials, and directed that CCTV footage and other electronic evidence from the searched premises be preserved. It also stayed FIRs registered by the West Bengal Police against ED officers in relation to the raids until the next date of hearing.
The Supreme Court directed the respondents to file their counter-affidavits within two weeks and listed the matter for further consideration on February 3, 2026.
ED Seeks CBI Probe
Independent of its allegation of obstruction, the ED has also sought a CBI investigation into the actions of Mamata Banerjee and senior police officials, contending that interference by State officers during a central investigation undermines the rule of law. The petition asserts that a neutral and independent probe by a central agency is necessary to properly examine the alleged obstruction.
The West Bengal Government has filed a caveat before the Supreme Court, ensuring that no ex parte orders are passed without affording the State an opportunity of being heard.
Broader Political and Legal Context
The I-PAC raids conducted on January 8, 2026, formed part of a money-laundering investigation linked to alleged coal pilferage and hawala transactions, in which the ED examined financial links of I-PAC and associated individuals.
The TMC has maintained that the ED’s actions were politically motivated and aimed at accessing sensitive political data ahead of the elections. It has accused the agency of misusing its powers—a political narrative amplified by protests led by Mamata Banerjee and statements alleging overreach by central agencies.
Case Details:
Supreme Court of India
- Case No.: W.P. (Crl.) No. 16 of 2026 (registered on January 13, 2026)
- Bench: Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra & Justice Vipul M. Pancholi
- Last Listed: January 15, 2026
- Next Hearing: February 3, 2026
Petitioners:
- Directorate of Enforcement
- Robin Bansal
Respondents:
- State of West Bengal
- Mamata Banerjee
- Rajeev Kumar
- Manoj Kumar Verma
- Priyabrata Roy
- Central Bureau of Investigation
Advocates:
- For Petitioners: Mukesh Kumar Maroria
- For Respondents (Caveat): Preetika Dwivedi, Kunal Mimani
