ED vs. Bengal government : dispute reaches Supreme Court after I-PAC raids debacle

ED vs. Bengal government: According to authorities, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a motion with the Supreme Court on Sunday about the searches on the political consulting business I-PAC. The federal investigative agency also requested that the federal Bureau of Investigation (CBI) look into the matter. The ED filed a motion with the Calcutta High Court, and the hearing is scheduled on January 14.

The ED had accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of obstructing the agency’s probe and removing incriminating papers from its possession during searches at I-PAC director Pratik Jain’s Kolkata house in its appeal before the high court. The agency said that the supremo of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) improperly impeded a legitimate search operation with police assistance.With the assistance of state police, the Hon’ble Chief Minister forcefully took, confiscated, and stole digital equipment, electronic storage media, and important incriminating documents from the legitimate possession of ED personnel, according to the central investigate agency.

But the Calcutta High Court has turned down the ED’s request for immediate relief.

The Supreme Court receives a warning from the Bengal government.
The West Bengal government had submitted a caveat to the Supreme Court earlier in the day, asking it to make sure that no ruling is issued without the state’s reasons. A petitioner files a caveat with the Supreme Court and the high courts to make sure that no unfavorable ruling is made against it before it is given a chance to be heard.

I-PAC criticizes ED raids
The investigation agency has created a “disturbing precedent,” according to the I-PAC, which has denounced the ED raids. It will, however, provide “full cooperation and will continue to do so as required, engaging with the process in complete accordance and respect for the law,” said the statement.In whatever we do, we have always adhered to the greatest standards of professional ethics. The I-PAC said, “In spite of what happened yesterday, we are steadfastly dedicated to carrying on with our work, unfazed and unperturbed, with consistency and accountability led by the same purpose that has shaped us from the beginning.”We don’t run for office or participate in elections. It also said, “Our role is restricted to transparent and professional political consulting, unaffected by differences in political ideology.”