In a closely watched political-legal showdown, India’s top court deferred proceedings on ED’s urgent plea against Mamata Banerjee until March 18. The case revolves around purported obstruction at I-PAC offices during ED operations probing financial scams.
The ED, seeking FIRs against the Chief Minister, her state’s top cop Rajeev Kumar, and Kolkata’s police chief Manoj Kumar, got a nod from the bench for filing replies promptly. Solicitor General underscored the gravity of alleged interference in a critical money laundering inquiry.
Banerjee’s detailed affidavit paints a different picture: ED sleuths allegedly grabbed TMC’s proprietary election data illegally. The CM recounted arriving at the scene to shield sensitive materials vital to party operations, firmly rejecting any charge of blocking the agency.
This episode underscores broader concerns about probe agency overreach into state domains and electoral preparations. Observers note the timing amplifies political rhetoric, with Banerjee decrying it as vendetta.
As arguments loom next month, the judiciary’s role in arbitrating such disputes remains pivotal. A ruling here could set precedents for handling similar confrontations nationwide, keeping the nation on edge for judicial wisdom in turbulent times.