The Supreme Court of India on Thursday expressed that it was “very much disturbed” by the commotion and disruption that took place inside the Calcutta High Court during a hearing related to the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) operations on the offices of political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) and allegations of interference by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The ED has approached the Supreme Court challenging Mamata Banerjee’s alleged interference and obstruction in its search and investigation at the I-PAC office and at the residence of its director, Pratik Jain. The matter stems from raids conducted on January 8, which have since become a major political and legal controversy.

During the hearing on Thursday, the Supreme Court bench — led by Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi — said the chaos at the Calcutta High Court in connection with the case was “very serious” and that the top court intended to issue notice and examine the issue further.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the ED, told the Supreme Court that the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had interfered with the ED’s legal search and investigation in a way that showed a “very shocking pattern” of behaviour.

Mehta argued that there was evidence suggesting that incriminating material was present at the premises that were searched during the I-PAC raid in Kolkata, and that authorities were informed in advance about the operation. He said that senior police officials — including the Director General of Police (DGP), the Commissioner of Police, and a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) — along with a large police force, arrived on the scene.

The Solicitor General told the court that materials recovered during the search were taken away “unauthorisedly”, terming the act an offence of theft. He said, “It’s an offence of THEFT. She takes it away. Mobile of the ED official also taken away.” Mehta urged the court to consider placing officers present during the exercise under suspension and departmental enquiry.

Mehta also warned that such actions could discourage central forces from performing their duties properly, stating, “This will encourage officers to not discharge their duty. Forces will be demoralised.” He stressed the importance of the court taking cognisance of these allegations.

Arguing on behalf of Mamata Banerjee, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal strongly rejected the ED’s accusations, calling them a “blatant lie”. He defended the Chief Minister and said the matter should first be heard by the Calcutta High Court in the normal judicial order.

Sibal pointed to video evidence of the raid to counter the ED’s claim and stated, “It is a blatant lie that all digital devices were taken. Allegation that CM Mamata Banerjee took all devices is a lie, substantiated by ED’s own panchnama (search record).”

He also questioned the timing of the ED’s actions, asking, “Last statement in coal scam recorded in February 2024; what was ED doing since then? Why so keen in the midst of elections?” — referring to past legal proceedings.

The Supreme Court’s remarks came after the enforcement agency’s special leave petition was moved to the top court. The ED’s appeal challenges Mamata Banerjee and others for allegedly disrupting the law enforcement process.

The incident in the Calcutta High Court, where the hearing on this matter faced major disruptions and was adjourned previously, was cited by the Supreme Court as a matter of serious concern. The top court’s decision to examine the ED’s plea indicates the case’s significance and complexity.

The Supreme Court is expected to proceed with the case after issuing notice and will likely consider both the ED’s allegations and the defence arguments presented on behalf of Mamata Banerjee.