BJP leader Ram Kadam has questioned the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government’s handling of the Disha Salian death case, asking why it did not agree to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe when demands for an independent investigation were raised.

Kadam’s remarks came after the Bombay High Court ordered the CBI to register an FIR and conduct a fresh investigation into the 2020 death of celebrity manager Disha Salian. The court’s intervention has brought the long-running case back into focus and intensified political exchanges in Maharashtra. 

Ram Kadam Raises Questions

Kadam questioned the decision-making of the then Maharashtra government and asked why a CBI investigation had not been accepted earlier. His comments reflect the BJP’s renewed criticism of the former state administration following the High Court order.

The BJP leader has sought answers over how the earlier investigation was handled and why demands for a central probe were not acted upon at the time.

The allegations are politically contentious, however, and the court has not held any individual responsible for Salian’s death.

Bombay HC Orders Fresh CBI Probe

The Bombay High Court on September 2 directed the CBI to register an FIR and investigate all aspects surrounding Salian’s death. The order followed a petition filed by her father, Satish Salian, who had challenged the earlier handling of the case. 

The court directed the CBI to appoint a suitably experienced officer, record Satish Salian’s statement and take over the relevant investigation material.

The bench observed that the earlier police investigation raised questions and concluded that a fresh and substantive inquiry was necessary.

Court Cautions Against Premature Accusations

While ordering the CBI investigation, the High Court made an important clarification. It said that no person should be treated as an accused unless the investigating officer finds sufficient material to establish reasonable grounds for suspicion.

The direction is significant because several political figures have been linked to public discussions surrounding the case over the years. The court’s order does not establish criminal liability against any person and leaves that question to the investigation. (Hindustan Times)

What Happened to Disha Salian?

Disha Salian, who had worked as a celebrity manager and had briefly worked with actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died on June 8, 2020, after falling from a residential building in Mumbai’s Malad area.

Her death occurred six days before Rajput was found dead at his Bandra residence. The proximity of the two deaths led to widespread public speculation about whether the cases were connected.

Mumbai Police had earlier treated Salian’s death as an accidental death, while her family later raised questions about the circumstances and sought a fresh investigation. (Hindustan Times)

Aaditya Thackeray Rejects Allegations

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has rejected allegations linking him to the case. Following the High Court’s decision, he questioned why he should respond to what he described as repeated allegations against him.

Thackeray’s position remains that he has no connection with Salian’s death. His response came as political parties renewed their claims and counterclaims following the court’s decision to transfer the investigation to the CBI. (Loksatta)

CBI Investigation Now Underway

The fresh investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding Salian’s death, including material and evidence collected during earlier inquiries. The High Court has directed that the investigation cover the circumstances in which she lost her life rather than being restricted to a particular theory about the death. (The Indian Express)

For now, the CBI probe is the key development in the case. Whether it establishes any criminal offence or identifies responsibility will depend on the evidence collected during the investigation.

Tensions escalated in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi on Monday as police used water cannons and later lathi-charged students participating in a march towards the Vidhan Sabha. The protesters are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

Thousands of students and job aspirants took part in the protest, carrying national flags and placards highlighting their demands. The demonstrators have been seeking an independent investigation into complaints linked to the 14th JPSC examination and backlog recruitments conducted during 2023-25.

The protest has brought students and the Jharkhand government into a fresh confrontation over how the allegations should be investigated. While the state government has maintained that its Criminal Investigation Department (CID) can conduct an inquiry, protesters have rejected the proposal and are insisting on a CBI investigation.

Students March Towards Assembly

The demonstrators moved towards the Jharkhand Assembly complex as part of the 'Vidhan Sabha gherao' programme. Several protesters held placards carrying messages such as "Cancel JSSC-CGL Exams or Conduct a CBI Probe", "Conduct an impartial investigation" and questions regarding alleged inaction against officials associated with the recruitment process.

According to PTI, police deployed water cannons near Jagannathpur Temple as the protesters advanced towards the Assembly complex. The situation subsequently intensified, with police resorting to a lathi-charge to disperse the demonstrators.

The police action came amid a large gathering of students demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.

Protesters Seek CBI Probe

The central demand of the protesting students is an investigation by the CBI rather than the state CID. They have raised questions over the recruitment process and sought an independent probe into allegations surrounding examinations conducted by JPSC and JSSC.

The government, however, has maintained that the state CID is capable of examining the complaints. The disagreement over the investigating agency has become one of the main points of contention between the two sides.

JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch leader Ravindra Paswan said the protesters would continue their movement until the demand for a CBI investigation was accepted.

"We will not compromise till our demand for a CBI probe is fulfilled," Paswan said, according to PTI.

JLKM Leader Joins Protest

Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto also joined Monday's march despite being on a hunger strike over the issue.

Mahto has reportedly been fasting for nine days and has lost around 10.5 kilograms during the protest. He participated in the march in an ambulance as his health condition deteriorated.

"We are protesting peacefully, and we urge everyone to help us maintain that peace. We are raising the voice of lakhs of students who are fighting for their dreams and careers. My health is failing," Mahto said, according to PTI.

Recruitment Dispute Continues

The dispute comes amid growing concerns among students over recruitment examinations and the handling of complaints related to the selection process.

For many candidates, the issue has become closely linked to employment opportunities and the credibility of government recruitment examinations. Protesters argue that an investigation by an agency outside the state administration would help establish confidence in the process.

The government and student groups remain divided over the way forward, with the protesters continuing to press for a CBI probe.

Monday's confrontation in Ranchi, marked by the use of water cannons and a subsequent lathi-charge, has added another layer to the ongoing dispute. Further developments are expected as student organisations decide their next course of action and the government responds to their demand for an independent investigation.

 The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to take crucial decisions on Monday as it convenes its first meeting since allegations of theft of devotees' offerings at the Ayodhya Ram Temple surfaced. The meeting, chaired by Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, is expected to deliberate on the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Dr. Anil Mishra, while reviewing developments in the ongoing investigation into the alleged donation theft.

Originally scheduled to be held at Maniram Das Chhawani, the meeting has been shifted to the Ram Mandir complex and will begin at 3 pm.

According to Trust sources, the resignations submitted by Champat Rai on June 26 and Dr. Anil Mishra are likely to be accepted through a majority decision of the trustees. Since its formation on February 5, 2020, every Trust meeting had previously been led by Champat Rai in his capacity as General Secretary.

Under the Trust's constitution, the resignation of a trustee or office-bearer does not become effective immediately upon submission. It requires formal consideration and acceptance by the Trust during a meeting. Similarly, the removal of a trustee requires a two-thirds majority after issuing a show-cause notice and providing an opportunity for the concerned individual to present their case.

The Trust meeting comes amid heightened scrutiny following allegations that employees responsible for counting devotees' offerings siphoned off cash and valuables. Investigators have reportedly recovered deleted CCTV footage with the assistance of forensic and IT experts. While the visuals allegedly show individuals concealing currency notes in their socks and pockets, police are continuing efforts to enhance the footage to establish clear identities.

Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das broke his silence over the controversy, describing the alleged theft as deeply painful.

In a written statement, he said he was "deeply hurt" by the incident and demanded the strictest possible punishment for those responsible. He also expressed confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would ensure that all those involved face appropriate legal action. Appealing for restraint, he urged people not to politicise an issue that concerns the faith of millions of devotees.

Meanwhile, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged theft. The court observed that a similar matter is already pending before the Supreme Court, making further intervention unnecessary at this stage.

The petition had been filed by Lucknow-based advocate Mohit Ashok on June 12, requesting an independent central investigation into the allegations.

The controversy has also intensified political exchanges in Uttar Pradesh. Congress leader Imran Masood termed the alleged theft a serious breach of public faith, claiming that the scale of donations received by the temple warranted a thorough investigation.

On the other hand, BJP spokesperson R.P. Singh said the Trust meeting would not only review the progress of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe but also discuss the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer and examine the Trust's financial statements for the previous financial year.

Samajwadi Party leaders continued to target the Trust's functioning, while BJP leaders accused the opposition of attempting to politicise the issue and tarnish the image of the Ram Temple.

The police investigation has also uncovered financial transactions allegedly linked to one of the arrested accused, Avinash Shukla, who was involved in counting donations. Investigators claim that despite drawing a monthly salary of around ₹15,000, he allegedly purchased a house, bought a vehicle, transferred money to his girlfriend, and gifted her an iPhone. Authorities are now examining the bank accounts of the accused as well as those of their family members to trace suspected proceeds.

Security has been tightened around the temple complex ahead of the Trust meeting, with barricades installed and vehicle movement restricted near the venue. The outcome of Monday's deliberations is expected to shape the Trust's administrative future while also influencing public confidence in the management of one of India's most prominent religious institutions.

The Supreme Court of India on Friday refused to put an interim stay on the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the high-profile Raja Raghuvanshi murder case. The vacation bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Sheel Nagu passed the order.

Accused Currently Residing in Shillong

The apex court observed that the accused has already been released from prison and is currently residing in Shillong, Meghalaya, under the strict guidelines and conditions laid down in her bail order. Therefore, an immediate stay on her bail cannot be executed at this stage.

However, the Supreme Court expressed strong reservations and dissatisfaction with the Meghalaya High Court's rationale behind granting bail to the accused. The top court has issued a formal notice to Sonam Raghuvanshi, scheduling the matter for a detailed subsequent hearing.

Victim’s Family Demands CBI Probe

Following the court's decision, the family of the deceased, Raja Raghuvanshi, expressed strong disappointment. Vipin Raghuvanshi, the elder brother of the victim, stated that flaws in the initial local police investigation allowed the accused to secure bail on technical grounds. The family has demanded that the entire murder case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), asserting that a thorough federal probe from the beginning would have prevented the accused from walking free.

A Bhopal court on Wednesday rejected a plea seeking a second postmortem of actress and model Twisha Sharma, whose death under suspicious circumstances has triggered widespread public attention in Madhya Pradesh. The court, however, directed police to preserve the body in a mortuary facility capable of preventing decomposition for an extended period.

Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh government has decided to write to the Centre seeking a CBI investigation into the case. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav also assured Twisha Sharma’s family that the state would support further legal proceedings, including arrangements to shift the body to AIIMS Delhi if ordered by the court.

Court Rejects Second Postmortem

The order was passed by Judge Anudita Gupta’s court in Bhopal after hearing arguments related to the demand for a second postmortem examination outside the state. In its observation, the court stated that allowing a second postmortem in another state did not fall within its jurisdiction. The court also noted that the first postmortem conducted at AIIMS Bhopal followed due procedure and there was no evidence on record indicating collusion between doctors and the accused. The court said suspicion alone could not justify ordering another postmortem examination at this stage.

Body Preservation Ordered

While rejecting the plea, the court instructed the Katara Hills police station SHO to ensure proper preservation of the body. The order highlighted concerns regarding the existing mortuary facility at AIIMS Bhopal, where the body is reportedly being stored at minus 4 degrees Celsius, allowing preservation for only four to five days. The court observed that long-term preservation would require storage at nearly minus 80 degrees Celsius to prevent decomposition. Twisha Sharma’s family has now indicated that they will approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking permission for a second postmortem at AIIMS Delhi.

CM Assures Family Support

Twisha Sharma’s father Navnidhi Sharma met Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav in Bhopal along with a group of retired armed forces personnel. During the meeting, the Chief Minister reportedly assured the family of all possible assistance from the state government. He also stated that the government would facilitate transportation of the body to Delhi if the High Court orders a second postmortem. The state government additionally plans to request a CBI investigation into the case through an official communication to the Centre.

Bail Cancellation Plea Planned

The Madhya Pradesh government is also expected to file an application seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to Twisha Sharma’s mother-in-law, retired judge Giribala Singh. Twisha’s family has accused Giribala Singh and husband Samarth Singh of dowry harassment and linked them to the actress’s death. The family has separately written to Governor Mangubhai Patel demanding removal of Giribala Singh from her current position in the district consumer forum, arguing that an accused in a dowry death case should not continue in office.

Husband Still Absconding

Bhopal Police has issued a lookout notice against Twisha Sharma’s husband Samarth Singh, who remains absconding. Police Commissioner Sanjay Singh said a Special Investigation Team is probing the matter from every possible angle and efforts to trace the accused are ongoing. Authorities have also increased the reward for information leading to Samarth Singh’s arrest from Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000. The court has directed Samarth Singh to appear before it on May 23 and present his side in the matter.

Questions Over Investigation

The case has sparked debate over forensic procedures and handling of evidence during the initial postmortem process. According to information emerging from the investigation, the belt allegedly used in the hanging incident was not brought to AIIMS Bhopal during the postmortem examination. As a result, forensic experts could not scientifically compare the ligature marks on Twisha’s neck with the alleged object used. Police officials have maintained that preliminary findings indicate suicide and that the neck injuries appear consistent with hanging. However, Twisha Sharma’s family has pointed to injury marks found on her body and continues to allege dowry harassment and foul play.

National Attention On Case

The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and sought an Action Taken Report from the Madhya Pradesh government within seven days. The commission has asked officials to provide details regarding FIR provisions, CCTV footage, forensic evidence, call records and measures taken to ensure safety of the family. Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha has also written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav seeking a CBI probe into the actress’s death. Retired armed forces personnel additionally organised a motorcycle rally in Bhopal demanding an impartial investigation into the Twisha Sharma death case.

NEET paper leak: Accused sold papers for ₹5–50 lakh; Latur coaching director's mega school project under scanner

The ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the NEET-UG paper leak case has exposed a deeply entrenched syndicate that sold question papers for anywhere between ₹5 lakh and ₹50 lakh. According to investigators, the racket operated without a fixed rate card, choosing instead to negotiate individually based on the financial background of each candidate's family.

Variable pricing for leaked papers

Sources familiar with the matter said that the gang initially collected only token money from families, retaining blank cheques and original student documents as security for the remaining payment. The financial model was heavily dependent on the actual examination day outcomes.

The gang promised buyers that the bulk of the payment would be collected only if the leaked question bank matched the actual examination paper after the official answer keys were released.

Dispute over physics questions

However, local intelligence units indicate that after the pan-India examination was conducted, several families refused to pay the full agreed amount. Disgruntled parents reportedly claimed that some physics questions did not match the actual paper distributed at centres.

Consequently, some families paid only half the settled amount, assuring the brokers they would clear the balance once the final results were announced.

Midnight raids disrupt collection

The Rajasthan State Organized Crime Board (SOG), acting on intelligence inputs from the Intelligence Bureau (IB), launched sudden raids late in the evening. At the time of the crackdown, the gang was still allegedly actively extorting money from families.

During the ground-level interrogation of a student in Sikar who had allegedly purchased the paper, a broker called the student's phone demanding the pending payment, effectively walking into an agency trap. Subsequent CBI raids at the homes of several students across different states revealed an identical pattern of transactional security.

Mega school project under probe

The investigation has turned its focus toward Shivraj Motegaonkar, alias ‘M Sir’, director of Renukai Career Centre (RCC) Coaching in Latur, Maharashtra. Investigators found that the prominent coaching director was preparing to establish a massive school-college campus on an 8-acre plot in Khopgaon Shivar.

Construction of a multi-storey building was actively underway at the site when local authorities took notice. The CBI is currently probing his primary funding sources, recent land purchases, and extensive financial transactions. The agency has also questioned his close family members to map out the financial trail.

Legal custody and local actions

Following the CBI's aggressive action, the Municipal Corporation in Pune sealed the RCC Coaching Classes of the accused Shivraj Motegaonkar, citing independent commercial violations and tax irregularities. Meanwhile, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court sent five co-accused—Mangilal Khatik, Vikas Biwal, Dinesh Biwal, Yash Yadav, and Dhananjay Lokhande—to judicial custody till June 2.

The court also extended the CBI remand of another key accused, Shubham Khairnar, by five days to unearth the larger distribution network. Investigators were additionally permitted by the court to collect signature samples of Manisha Mandhre and Motegaonkar to verify handwritten notes.

Preparation for the re-examination

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed the extensive preparations for the upcoming NEET re-examination. The minister directed authorities to take strict action against those spreading misleading information regarding paper leaks through fake Telegram channels and social media platforms.

So far, 10 people have been arrested in connection with the pan-India racket, with six of them belonging to Maharashtra. The original NEET-UG examination was conducted across 551 cities in India and 14 international centres, with nearly 23 lakh candidates appearing for the test before its subsequent cancellation due to the leak.

Allahabad HC Orders FIR Against Rahul Gandhi in Citizenship Case

Allahabad HC orders FIR against Rahul Gandhi as the Lucknow bench directs CBI investigation into British citizenship allegations, marking a major development in the long-running dual citizenship row.

High Court Directs FIR  

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered the registration of an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The court accepted the Uttar Pradesh government’s plea and directed that the Central Bureau of Investigation take up the case.

CBI Investigation Directed  

Counsel for the state government argued strongly that the matter required a CBI probe. The judge agreed and ordered the agency to investigate the British citizenship allegations once the FIR is registered by police.

Evidence Presented in Court  

Petitioner Vignesh Shishir told the court that the affidavit and supporting documents could prove vital. He claimed the papers show Rahul Gandhi may have acted as a voter in the United Kingdom and taken part in elections there. The bench will now verify the claims.

Confidential Documents Reviewed  

Justice Subhash Vidyarthi asked the Foreigners Division of the Union Home Ministry to produce all relevant records. Officials submitted the complete set of files, including confidential and top-secret documents, before the High Court in open proceedings.

Lower Court Order Overturned  

The petition challenged the January 28, 2026 order of the Special MP-MLA magistrate. That court had refused to direct the Kotwali police station in Rae Bareli to register an FIR. The High Court set aside the earlier decision and cleared the way for fresh action.

Serious Charges Sought  

The plea seeks action under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 along with the Official Secrets Act 1923, the Passport Act 1967 and the Foreigners Act 1946. The petitioner argued that the issues touch upon national security and citizenship rules.

National Security at Stake  

This is the first time the matter has received detailed hearing at the High Court level. The Union Home Ministry formally placed its stand on record during the proceedings. Officials indicated that the CBI will begin its work immediately after the FIR is lodged.

The ruling has triggered fresh debate on citizenship norms for public representatives. Political observers are watching closely to see how the investigation proceeds. The case is being followed as a key public interest story in the latest news today.

With the Allahabad HC orders FIR against Rahul Gandhi now active, the outcome of the CBI probe will decide the next steps in this high-profile matter that continues to draw national attention.

Amit Jogi Jaggi Murder Case: HC Declares Him Mastermind, Awards Life Term

Chhattisgarh High Court has convicted Amit Jogi as the mastermind in the 2003 Ramavatar Jaggi murder case and sentenced him to life imprisonment, overturning the CBI special court’s 2007 acquittal order after 23 years.

High Court Overturns Acquittal  

A division bench led by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha rejected the trial court’s decision to acquit Amit Jogi while convicting 28 others. The bench termed the earlier order “illegal and ridiculous”, noting it defied the evidence on record.

Amit Jogi Named Mastermind  

The 78-page judgment held Amit Jogi as the “principal architect” of the conspiracy. The court observed that as the son of then Chief Minister Ajit Jogi, he possessed the influence and resources to orchestrate the killing and later manipulate the investigation.

Political Rivalry Triggered Killing  

The murder stemmed from deep political friction in 2003. Vidyacharan Shukla, upset over Ajit Jogi’s appointment as Chief Minister, quit Congress and joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He made Ramavatar Jaggi, a prominent businessman and close aide, the party treasurer ahead of Assembly elections. NCP’s aggressive rallies across Chhattisgarh, especially in Raipur, were seen as a direct challenge to the ruling Congress.

Hotel Meeting Key Evidence  

CBI’s 1,000-page charge sheet cited crucial testimony from Reginald Jeremiah, then director of Akash Channel. He told the court that on 21 May 2003, Amit Jogi held a meeting at Raipur’s Hotel Green Park and openly stated that Jaggi “had to be eliminated” to stop NCP’s momentum. Jeremiah said he was directed to pay Rs 5 lakh to the main shooter, Chiman Singh, in Kolkata.

Shooter Paid Rs 5 Lakh  

Investigations revealed Chiman Singh was an old acquaintance of Amit Jogi. Phone records, witness accounts from Hotel Green Park staff and CM House security personnel established repeated meetings before and after the crime. The court noted that arrangements for the shooter’s stay in Raipur were made by people close to Amit Jogi.

Fake Arrests Exposed in Probe  

The bench pointed out that police, allegedly in collusion with powerful elements, arranged the surrender of five fake accused to mislead the investigation. These individuals—Vinod Singh alias Badal, Shyam Sunder alias Anand Sharma, Jambvant Kashyap, Avinash Singh alias Lallan and Vishwanath Rajbhar—were later convicted but later acquitted. The High Court said such large-scale manipulation could not have occurred without high-level protection.

Appeal Pending in Supreme Court  

The murder took place on 4 June 2003 in Raipur’s Maudahapara area. Initial police theory of robbery quickly gave way to political murder allegations. CBI took over the probe after BJP’s Raman Singh government came to power later that year. The special court had awarded life sentences to several accused including shooter Chiman Singh, but spared Amit Jogi.  

The High Court verdict has now reopened the chapter. Amit Jogi has moved the Supreme Court against both the CBI’s appeal permission and the conviction order. Senior lawyers including Kapil Sibal, Mukul Rohatgi, Vivek Tankha and Siddharth Dave argued the matter on 20 April, claiming violation of natural justice principles. The apex court is expected to take up the case soon.

This development in the Amit Jogi Jaggi Murder Case has once again brought focus on political violence in the state and the long wait for justice in high-profile cases.

Do ED Officers Lose Their Rights on Duty? Supreme Court's Sharp Question Puts Mamata Banerjee in the Dock

In a courtroom exchange that cut to the heart of India's constitutional framework, the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked a question that silenced lawyers on both sides: "Do ED officers cease to be citizens of India merely because they work for the Enforcement Directorate?"

The pointed remark from a bench of Justices P.K. Mishra and N.V. Anjaria came during the hearing of a petition filed by the ED against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, over her alleged interference in search operations at the Kolkata office of political consultancy firm I-PAC on January 8, 2026. The case has snowballed into one of the most significant constitutional showdowns of the year — pitting federal law enforcement against state political power.

What Happened at I-PAC on January 8?

The ED was conducting searches at I-PAC's Salt Lake office and the residence of its co-founder Pratik Jain, as part of a money laundering investigation linked to a ₹2,742 crore coal smuggling scam involving businessman Anup Majee.

What happened next was extraordinary. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the premises alongside Trinamool Congress leaders and senior Kolkata Police officers. According to the ED, she removed a laptop, a mobile phone, and several files from the premises. The agency alleged that search operations had to be abruptly ended under coercion, and the panchnama (search memo) recording "peaceful" proceedings was signed under duress.

Banerjee's defence: the material she removed contained confidential Trinamool Congress party data, not evidence related to the probe. Her party denied any obstruction.

The West Bengal Police then filed FIRs against the ED officers themselves — a move the Supreme Court has since stayed.

The Constitutional Question at the Core

Today's hearing zeroed in on a critical legal issue: can the ED file a petition under Article 32 of the Constitution — a remedy traditionally available only to citizens whose fundamental rights are violated?

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the West Bengal government, argued that the ED is neither a person nor a citizen, and therefore cannot invoke fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21. Obstruction in performing statutory duty, he argued, does not automatically amount to a fundamental rights violation.

But the bench sharply pushed back. It noted that apart from the agency itself, individual ED officers had also filed petitions in their personal capacity as citizens. The court told Sibal: "Please concentrate on the fundamental rights of the officers of the ED qua whom the offence has been committed. Otherwise you will miss the point."

The message was unmistakable — even if the ED as an institution has limited standing, its officers as individuals retain full constitutional rights.

Why This Case Is Bigger Than Mamata Banerjee

This case is not just about one Chief Minister. It sets a precedent for how far state governments can go in resisting or obstructing central agency investigations.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, argued that this reflects a disturbing pattern — not an isolated incident. He alleged that the Joint Director's residence was gheraoed, frantic calls were made by officers fearing for their safety, and that allowing this behaviour to go unpunished would demoralise central investigative agencies across the country.

The Supreme Court itself had earlier warned that failure to address the issue would create a "situation of lawlessness" across states.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued the constitutional complexity is so significant it should be referred to a larger bench, given the competing questions of federalism, agency rights, and the limits of Article 32.

What Happens Next

The matter is scheduled to be heard next on April 14, 2026, when further arguments will continue. The ED is seeking a CBI probe against Mamata Banerjee and the return of all documents and devices allegedly removed from the I-PAC premises.

For now, the FIRs against ED officers remain stayed by the Supreme Court.

The Bigger Picture

At its core, this case asks a question India has long grappled with: when Centre and state clash, who protects the rule of law?

If a sitting Chief Minister can walk into an active federal investigation, remove evidence, and have her police file cases against the investigating officers — and face no consequence — the message to every state in India is deeply corrosive.

The Supreme Court appears to understand exactly what is at stake. Its sharp, pointed questions today suggest it is in no mood to let this case slip quietly into procedural delay.

The answer to whether ED officers retain their rights on duty may well redefine the boundaries of Indian federalism itself.