Supreme Court hears Enforcement Directorate plea against Mamata Banerjee over I-PAC raid interference

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday rejected West Bengal’s demand to adjourn the hearing of the Enforcement Directorate petition related to I-PAC raid case.

A bench of N V Anjaria and Prashant Kumar Mishra heard a writ petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate for ED vs Mamata Banerjee case. The plea was filed against West Bengal over alleged interference in an I-PAC office raid. The agency also claimed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hindered its actions during the operation.

At the beginning, Senior Advocate Shyam Divan demanded an adjournment. They need some time to file a response to a rejoinder affidavit filed by the ED. However, the Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India for the ED, vehemently opposed the demand. He replied that all such techniques used to delay the hearing.

Pointing out that the response was filed four weeks ago, the SG said that there was sufficient time to look for instructions to file a response. SG said, "If you want to delay the matter, let's at least have a decent ground".

Divan submitted that it was not a regular rejoinder, as it had numerous new averments which went beyond the reach of the case. Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy is even for the State, supported Divan's request, saying that there are new truthful averments in the ED's rejoinder.

However, the bench said that it will continue with the hearing. Justice Mishra said that ED can start with the disputes, and the State can react later.

When the bench turned, it was clear that Mamata Banerjee ED probe interference. Divan said that the State's beginning objection to the maintainability of the ED's petition should be heard first.