Supreme Court Raises Concerns Over ED's Probe Obstruction in Bengal

The Supreme Court addressed serious allegations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of obstructing a central probe into the consultancy firm I-PAC. The court stayed FIRs against ED officials and called for further legal examination on state interference in central investigations.

The Supreme Court has termed the Enforcement Directorate's allegations against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as 'serious,' addressing claims of her interference in a probe concerning the I-PAC consultancy firm. The court has decided to examine these claims to determine if state agencies can lawfully obstruct central investigations.

Amidst the ongoing legal tussle, the court has issued a stay on the FIRs filed against ED officials involved in the January 8 raids on I-PAC premises. This move comes in response to the ED's appeals for a CBI probe into the alleged obstruction by state agencies led by Banerjee. The matter will be revisited by the Supreme Court on February 3.

The legal proceedings have sparked political tensions, with the BJP accusing Banerjee of fostering 'lawlessness' in West Bengal, while the TMC insists that the ED's actions are politically driven, coinciding with upcoming assembly elections. The controversy highlights the broader implications of state versus central agency interactions in conducting investigations.

(With inputs from agencies.)