I-PAC raids: SC stays FIRs against ED officers; TMC cites election-time misuse

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the FIRs registered against Enforcement Directorate officers in connection with raids at the I-PAC office and the premises of its director in connection with an alleged coal-pilferage scam, until the next date of hearing.

The Supreme Court’s order came in a case arising from events on January 8, when Enforcement Directorate officials were allegedly obstructed while conducting searches at the Kolkata office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain, as part of a probe into an alleged coal-pilferage scam.

The probe agency has claimed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee entered the premises and took away "key" evidence related to the probe.


Following the raids, FIRs were registered against ED officers by the West Bengal police, prompting the agency to approach the top court seeking protection, arguing that its officers were targeted for carrying out bona fide investigations.

Observing that the case raises larger questions which, if left unanswered, could lead to lawlessness, the court said central agencies probing serious offences cannot be obstructed by political party activities. It issued notice to the respondents and directed them to file their counter affidavits within two weeks.

A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi earlier in the day said they intend to issue notice and examine the matter. "This is a very serious matter; we will issue a notice. We have to examine it," it had remarked orally.

"Having heard learned counsels, we are of the prima facie view that present plea has raised a serious issue relating to the investigation by ED and its interference by state agencies," Justice Mishra said.

Submitting that the ED has repeatedly interfered in political affairs in the name of investigation on the eve of elections, senior advocates and Members of Parliament Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Kapil Sibal represented the TMC.

"Shri Sibal says CM has not gone to the place as the CM but as the chairman of Trinamool Congress on information that some unauthorised persons have entered the premises of Pratik Jain who is taking care of party election work," Justice Mishra remarked.