SC Issues Notice to Mamata Banerjee on ED Raid

Kolkata | Desk: The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in response to a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The petition alleged that Banerjee and state officials allegedly interfered during an ED raid at the IPCAC (I-PACK) premises.

The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Chief Minister, the DGP, the Police Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, and other state administrative officials. The petition claims that the officials forcibly obstructed the ED officers and hindered the ongoing investigation.

The bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi directed, “Notices be issued to the respondents. A counter-affidavit shall be filed within two weeks. The matter is listed for February 3, 2026. In the meantime, the respondents, namely the Government of West Bengal, shall preserve all CCTV footage of the I-PACK premises and surrounding areas.”

The Supreme Court also stayed the FIR filed by the West Bengal Police against ED officials who had carried out the raid at I-PACK.

The development drew reactions from opposition parties. BJP leaders criticized the state government and the Chief Minister. Gaurav Bhatia, a senior BJP leader, said, “The Supreme Court has stayed all FIRs… What kind of lawlessness is prevailing in West Bengal? Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee must answer this.”

He further alleged, “TMC had filed a petition in the High Court. Before the hearing on January 9, the TMC legal cell sent WhatsApp messages instructing all supporters to reach the court. The Supreme Court has taken note of this… Mamata Banerjee is a symbol of lawlessness.”

BJP leader Dilip Ghosh said, “The manner in which she obstructed the ED operation and allegedly seized files is unbecoming of any Chief Minister. There is no place for this in a democracy.”