The proceedings saw sharp exchanges between the Centre and the Government of West Bengal. Counsel for the state alleged that central investigative agencies were being deployed for political purposes, a claim contested by Additional Solicitor General S G Raju, who argued instead that agency officials were facing intimidation during investigations.
The bench briefly heard arguments related to petitions arising from the controversy before allowing time for the central agencies to respond formally. The court indicated that on the next date it would first examine the maintainability of the case before proceeding to substantive issues. Senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee, appearing for the state, confirmed that the adjournment was granted to allow the Centre to submit its rejoinder affidavit.
The dispute stems from a January 8 search conducted by the Enforcement Directorate at the office of political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee and at the residence of its founder Pratik Jain. During the operation, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached the premises and removed certain documents, asserting they were party materials containing confidential electoral strategy details. The incident triggered a legal confrontation that escalated to the apex court.
In its affidavit, the Enforcement Directorate alleged that documents were forcibly taken and claimed the fundamental rights of its officers were violated during the search. It named the chief minister in its submissions. The state government, however, has denied obstructing the investigation and has sought dismissal of the petition, arguing that the agency lacks legal standing and that procedural irregularities occurred during the raid.
Legal observers note that the court’s upcoming decision on maintainability could determine whether the matter proceeds to full hearing or is dismissed at a preliminary stage. The case is being closely watched because it touches on questions of investigative powers, federal relations, and limits of authority during search operations.
With multiple petitions pending and political stakes high, the March 18 hearing is expected to shape the next phase of litigation. Until then, the dispute remains unresolved, with both sides preparing detailed submissions to support their competing claims.
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