Supreme Court Examines West Bengal Government's Obstruction Allegations

The Supreme Court has deferred a hearing on the ED's plea accusing the West Bengal government of obstructing its investigation into a coal pilferage scam. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is alleged to have interfered with the probe, raising questions about the state's influence over central investigations.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday deferred to March 18 the hearing on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) plea. The plea accuses the West Bengal government, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, of hindering its probe into an alleged coal pilferage scam.

A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan postponed the case after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta indicated that a rejoinder would be filed. Earlier, on January 15, the court noted that Banerjee's alleged interference with the ED's investigation was "very serious", raising concerns about state intervention in federal probes.

The ED claims Banerjee's actions during a raid at the I-PAC office intimidated officers and impeded the investigation. The agency contends that this obstruction compromised its independent functioning. The TMC, however, argues that the raid on I-PAC, its election strategist, was aimed at disrupting electoral plans before the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)