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Can't shut our eyes to realities': SC slams Mamata's 'interference' in I-PAC raid case
The Supreme Court criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for entering the ED raid site at the I-PAC director's residence during an ongoing investigation, calling the situation extraordinary and raising concerns about democracy. The court discussed the maintainability of ED petitions under Article 32 and listed the matter for further hearing the following day as ED would present its arguments.
Why It Matters
The ruling signals judicial caution against executive interference in investigations and questions the admissibility of fundamental rights claims by state actors or agencies, which could influence future Centre-state legal dynamics.
Timeline
2 Events
Next-day hearing scheduled; ED to present arguments
April 22, 2026
The court listed the matter for further hearing on Thursday, with the Enforcement Directorate expected to present its arguments the following day.
Supreme Court hearing on maintainability of ED petitions in I-PAC raid case
April 22, 2026
The Supreme Court, hearing arguments on the maintainability of the Directorate of Enforcement’s petitions under Article 32, criticized Mamata Banerjee’s entry into the ED raid premises and described the state’s socio-political climate as an 'extraordinary situation.' The court discussed the alleged gherao and confinement of judicial officers in West Bengal and noted that the issue cannot be resolved merely by abstract legal principles. It listed the matter for further hearing on the next day, when the ED would present its arguments.