Supreme Court Examines Alleged Interference in I-PAC Raids
Date: 15 January 2026
The Supreme Court of India is currently hearing a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning searches carried out at offices linked to the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), a consultancy associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Background of the Case
On 8 January 2026, the ED conducted searches at multiple locations in West Bengal and Delhi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The operation is connected to a multi-crore financial irregularity previously investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The ED has alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with senior state police officers, interfered with the searches by removing documents and electronic devices, which the agency claims obstructed its investigation.
Supreme Court Proceedings
A bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Vipul Pancholi is hearing the case. The ED has requested the Court to examine whether any statutory powers were violated during the raid and has sought a CBI investigation into the circumstances.
The defense, representing Mamata Banerjee and the state government, has argued that the petition may not be maintainable and emphasized the importance of state authority and federal principles in such matters.
Developments in Calcutta High Court
In parallel, the Calcutta High Court disposed of a petition by the TMC seeking protection of electoral data allegedly affected during the raids. The court observed that official records indicated no material had been seized by the ED.
Political and Public Context
The raids have attracted political attention, with the Chief Minister describing the operation as politically motivated, while opposition parties have accused her of obstructing a lawful investigation. Demonstrations and protests have occurred in Kolkata following the raids.
Current Status
- Supreme Court: Hearing ongoing
- ED’s allegation: Interference by CM and state police
- Calcutta HC: TMC petition disposed; no seizure confirmed
- CBI probe: Pending SC decision
The Supreme Court is expected to consider both the powers of central investigative agencies and the rights of state authorities, aiming to clarify the scope of legal oversight in politically sensitive investigations.
Description
The Supreme Court of India is currently hearing a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding alleged interference during searches at offices linked to the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), a consultancy associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The raids, conducted on 8 January 2026 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), form part of an ongoing investigation into alleged multi-crore financial irregularities previously examined by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The ED claims that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with senior state police officers, interfered with the searches by removing documents and electronic devices, thereby obstructing the investigation. A bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Vipul Pancholi is examining whether statutory powers were violated and has considered a CBI probe. In parallel, the Calcutta High Court disposed of a TMC petition seeking protection of electoral data. The case has drawn significant political attention, with public demonstrations reported in Kolkata.
