New Delhi | 15 January 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday told the Supreme Court that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s actions reveal a “very shocking pattern” of interference whenever statutory agencies carry out their legal duties. The remarks came during the hearing of a petition filed by the ED over alleged obstruction during its recent raids in Kolkata on the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), a political consultancy firm working with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Representing the ED, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the apex court that such incidents were not isolated. He alleged that in the past as well, the chief minister had personally entered premises during investigations, accompanied by senior police officials. According to the ED, this conduct undermines the rule of law and reflects a dangerous trend where “mobocracy replaces democracy.” The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Vipul Pancholi, expressed serious concern over the situation and said it was “deeply disturbed” by the developments.

The court also took note of the chaotic scenes witnessed at the Calcutta High Court last Friday while the I-PAC raids case was being heard. The hearing had to be adjourned after the presiding judge observed that an “enormous disturbance” had been created in the courtroom, with a large number of lawyers and others entering during proceedings. The Supreme Court condemned the commotion, calling it unacceptable and damaging to judicial decorum.

The ED has sought directions under Article 32 of the Constitution, urging the suspension of several senior West Bengal police officials, including DGP Rajiv Kumar, Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, and DCP South Kolkata Priyabatra Roy. The agency alleges that these officers actively interfered with lawful search operations linked to a money-laundering investigation.

High drama unfolded in Kolkata last week when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the residence of I-PAC head Pratik Jain amid ongoing ED raids. She alleged that officials were attempting to “loot” hard disks, internal party documents, and sensitive data belonging to the TMC. Visuals from the spot showed the chief minister surrounded by police personnel and media, holding documents while moving through a crowded area.

The ED maintains that the searches were part of a legitimate probe into financial irregularities and were also conducted at I-PAC offices connected to the TMC’s IT and media operations. As the Supreme Court continues to hear the matter, the case has reignited debate over institutional independence, political interference, and the boundaries of executive authority in investigative 

 ED Alleges ‘Disturbing Interference Pattern’ as Supreme Court Examines I-PAC Raid Row

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday raised serious concerns before the Supreme Court, alleging that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has repeatedly interfered in the functioning of statutory agencies. Calling it a “disturbing pattern,” the ED argued that such actions surface whenever investigative authorities exercise their legal powers, particularly during recent raids linked to I-PAC, a political consultancy associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The apex court, while hearing the ED’s petition, expressed unease over the unfolding events, especially the disruption witnessed at the Calcutta High Court last week. The bench observed that the chaos during the hearing—marked by a large crowd entering the courtroom—was deeply troubling and raised concerns about the sanctity of judicial proceedings. The court noted that such incidents erode public confidence in the justice system.

The ED has sought directions for action against several senior West Bengal police officials, including the state’s Director General of Police and the Kolkata Police Commissioner, alleging deliberate obstruction during search operations. According to the agency, the searches were part of a money-laundering investigation and were lawfully conducted at locations linked to I-PAC’s operations and its role in managing the ruling party’s IT and media functions.

The controversy intensified after Mamata Banerjee personally visited the residence of I-PAC head Pratik Jain during the raids, alleging that officials were attempting to seize sensitive party data. Visuals of the chief minister at the site, surrounded by police and media, quickly went viral. As the Supreme Court continues to hear the matter, the case has brought the issue of political interference and institutional independence sharply into focus.