Supreme Court Issues Notice To CM, Stays FIRs Against ED In I-PAC Raids Case
The Supreme Court has delivered a significant setback to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by issuing a formal notice to her and senior state officials while staying all FIRs registered against Enforcement Directorate officers. The action relates to the controversial I-PAC raids case, where ED has alleged direct obstruction during searches linked to a money laundering investigation. The court’s interim intervention, including directions to preserve CCTV footage, signals serious judicial concern over possible state interference. The SC Notice to Mamata Banerjee has therefore escalated an already intense institutional confrontation.
Background of I-PAC Raids
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches on 8 January 2026 at the Kolkata office of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) and the residence of its co-founder Pratik Jain. These searches formed part of an ongoing money laundering probe connected to an alleged coal smuggling network operating in West Bengal. I-PAC, originally co-founded by political strategist Prashant Kishor, is currently led by Jain, who also heads the Trinamool Congress IT cell.
Since 2019, I-PAC has played a strategic role in Trinamool Congress election campaigns. It was instrumental in the party’s 2021 West Bengal Assembly victory and later supported its expansion efforts in Goa during the 2022 elections. Due to this close political association, the ED action immediately acquired political significance beyond the financial probe itself.
According to the agency, the investigation traces alleged hawala transactions linked to coal smuggler Anup Majhi, also known as Lala. The funds were allegedly diverted to support political and organisational activities, including campaign operations outside West Bengal. During the raids, ED officials claimed to have identified digital devices and documents containing potentially incriminating material relevant to the laundering trail.
ED Allegations Against Mamata Government
The Enforcement Directorate accused the West Bengal government of unprecedented interference during the execution of lawful search operations. According to submissions made before the Supreme Court, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally arrived at the raid locations along with senior police officers, including DGP Rajeev Kumar and Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma.
The ED alleged that police officials obstructed officers, restricted access, and facilitated the removal of documents and mobile phones from the premises. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta described the events as a “shocking pattern” of state resistance against central agencies, arguing that such conduct undermines the rule of law.
In response, West Bengal Police registered FIRs against ED officers, accusing them of procedural violations. This prompted the ED to approach the Supreme Court, seeking quashing of FIRs, suspension of involved officers, and transfer of the probe to the CBI. The Trinamool Congress rejected ED’s claims, calling them fabricated and politically motivated. Party leaders alleged that the agency was targeting political documents ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Supreme Court Proceedings
On 15 January 2026, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi stayed all FIRs filed against Enforcement Directorate officials in connection with the I-PAC raids. The bench issued notices to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the West Bengal government, the DGP, police commissioners, and other officers involved. The matter has been made returnable within two weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for 3 February.
The court described the matter as “very serious” and ordered the immediate preservation of CCTV footage from the I-PAC premises and surrounding areas. This directive aims to ensure that electronic evidence remains intact for judicial scrutiny. The bench also noted ED’s claim that the police had been informed in advance about the search, yet allegedly resorted to forceful interference.
The Supreme Court observed that the events in Kolkata were disturbing and warranted closer examination. By staying FIRs and issuing notices, the court effectively shifted the balance in favour of institutional accountability, making the SC notice to Mamata Banerjee a defining moment in the case.
Political Implications
The ruling has intensified the ongoing confrontation between central investigative agencies and the Trinamool Congress government. With multiple ED probes already underway in West Bengal, including cattle smuggling and teacher recruitment scams, this development compounds the political pressure on Mamata Banerjee ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
For the Chief Minister, the Supreme Court’s intervention weakens the narrative of unchecked central harassment. At the same time, opposition parties have portrayed the order as validation of ED’s independence and authority. The Trinamool Congress, however, continues to allege political vendetta and misuse of federal agencies.
The upcoming hearing could have far-reaching consequences. Depending on the court’s findings, the case may result in a court-monitored probe, disciplinary action against police officials, or even the involvement of the CBI.
Broader Context of ED Probes in Bengal
The I-PAC episode has wider implications because of the organisation’s strategic influence within the Trinamool Congress. Its operational role in election management and governance messaging places it at the intersection of politics and administration. The ED’s coal smuggling link revives older allegations involving ruling party figures, several of which are already under judicial consideration.
By directing the preservation of CCTV footage and staying FIRs, the Supreme Court has emphasised transparency and procedural integrity. The outcome of this case will likely shape future interactions between state governments and central investigative agencies, particularly in politically sensitive investigations.
