West Bengal Urges Constitution Bench for I-PAC Raids Dispute

The West Bengal government seeks a five-judge Constitution Bench in the Supreme Court for the I-PAC raids case, emphasizing substantial questions of constitutional interpretation on Centre-State relations. The state argues the Enforcement Directorate’s plea under Article 32 undermines federal structure, requiring higher judicial scrutiny.

The West Bengal government has petitioned the Supreme Court for a five-judge Constitution Bench to address the I-PAC raids case, arguing that it involves critical constitutional issues regarding Centre-State relations. The state's plea underscores the necessity of constitutional interpretation over procedural legality.

Senior Advocate Shyam Divan, representing West Bengal, contended that the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) attempt to invoke Article 32 infringes upon the federal structure, a core element of India's constitutional framework. Divan argued that bypassing established mechanisms for Centre-State dispute resolution undermines the Constitution.

As the case proceeds, the Court has urged the State to present its submissions despite objections about the ED's procedural conduct. The ongoing hearing highlights the complex interplay of legal frameworks governing federal disputes and the need for constitutional clarity.

(With inputs from agencies.)