West Bengal: ED Accuses West Bengal Govt of Obstructing Probe, Seeks Supreme Court Intervention

The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard arguments by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which accused the West Bengal government of repeatedly obstructing investigations by central agencies, including the ED and the CBI. Appearing for the ED, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta alleged that the Mamata Banerjee-led government, along with state police and ruling party functionaries, has followed a consistent pattern of interference in probe-related actions. The ED referred to recent incidents during searches linked to the alleged coal scam, claiming that its officers were prevented from carrying out their lawful duties. Mehta also cited earlier instances where CBI officials were allegedly harassed in the state, arguing that such actions reflect systemic resistance to central investigations. The agency further flagged an incident during a January 9 hearing at the Calcutta High Court, where alleged disruption inside the court premises took place. According to the ED, lawyers associated with the Trinamool Congress legal cell gathered in large numbers, hampering judicial proceedings. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the West Bengal government, strongly objected to the ED’s claims, stating that the matter had already been heard and disposed of by the High Court on January 14. The Supreme Court, however, observed that courts cannot be turned into protest venues and is continuing to examine the matter.

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