The political and legal confrontation between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has reached the Supreme Court. The central probe agency has filed a petition before the apex court, seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into alleged obstruction by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her administration during raids connected to the I-PAC coal scam investigation.
ED's Allegations and the Move to Supreme Court
On 11 January 2026, the ED approached the Supreme Court under Article 32, levelling serious accusations against the West Bengal government. The agency claims that its investigative autonomy was severely compromised during searches at the offices of political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in Kolkata. The ED's petition specifically alleges that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accompanied by senior TMC leaders, stormed into the premises of I-PAC and the residence of its co-founder, Pratik Jain, on 8 January 2026.
The agency accuses the state government of intimidation, harassment, and victimisation of its officers who were performing statutory duties. In a dramatic claim, the ED stated that Mamata Banerjee, with police aid, removed a laptop and a green folder from Pratik Jain's apartment and took several files from the I-PAC office while searches were ongoing.
West Bengal's Pre-emptive Legal Step and High Court Chaos
Anticipating the ED's move, the Mamata Banerjee-led government filed a caveat in the Supreme Court. This legal precaution ensures the court cannot pass any order on the matter without first hearing the state's side. The escalation to the Supreme Court follows parallel petitions filed by both parties in the Calcutta High Court.
The High Court proceedings, before Judge Suvra Ghosh, witnessed significant chaos. A hearing listed for Friday, 10 January 2026, was disrupted as soon as it began, leading to adjournment until 14 January 2026. An ED official cited this disruption and the inability to conduct investigations as key reasons for approaching the Supreme Court. The matter is expected to be mentioned for an urgent hearing on Monday, 12 January 2026.
Conflicting Narratives and Escalating Tensions
The TMC has firmly denied all allegations of obstruction. The party maintains that I-PAC functions as its election strategist and asserts that the ED's actions are a politically motivated attempt to disrupt its electoral preparations. In a countermove, the West Bengal Police registered two FIRs against ED officers and personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
The ED's searches on 9 January 2026 targeted approximately ten locations linked to I-PAC in connection with a coal smuggling and money laundering case. The agency insists it is being prevented from conducting a bona fide investigation, while the TMC accuses the ED of overreach. This deepening conflict highlights the ongoing power struggle between central agencies and the West Bengal state government, setting the stage for a crucial legal battle in the Supreme Court that could have significant political ramifications.
