'Extraordinary sign of bullying': ED vs TMC in Calcutta HC over I-PAC raids; agency claims Mamata Banerjee committed offence

KOLKATA: The Calcutta high court on Wednesday heard petitions filed by the Enforcement Directorate and the Trinamool Congress related to the central agency’s recent raids at the offices of political consultancy firm I-PAC.During the hearing, the Enforcement Directorate sought an adjournment, informing the court that it has moved the Supreme Court in the matter, while the Trinamool Congress pressed its plea seeking court protection for its poll-related data seized during the raids. TMC called the ED’s actions an extraordinary sign of bullying, news website Bar and Bench reported.Opposing TMC’s plea, the ED told the court that the search was conducted at a different location and questioned how “another party is now coming and claiming that its data was with them,” adding, “this is not how it works.” The agency further argued that the raid had no connection with the Trinamool Congress and pointed out that the individual whose premises were searched has not approached the court.The ED also said that Mamata Banerjee had committed an offence by allegedly interfering with an ongoing investigation.Arguing for the TMC, counsel said it was inappropriate to “bully a political party” when it genuinely believed that its data was housed with the political strategist.The Calcutta HC later disposed of the TMC’s petition, recording the ED’s submission that nothing was seized from the firm director’s home or office during the January 8 raids, according to news agency PTI. The case: Here's what happenedThe Enforcement Directorate has sought a CBI inquiry against West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging interference in an ongoing probe and has also demanded the return of seized documents and electronic devices.The Trinamool Congress, meanwhile, has approached the court seeking directions to prevent the agency from leaking party-related information. Subsequently, the ED moved the Supreme Court, while the West Bengal government filed a caveat in the apex court.Courtroom chaos on January 9After earlier proceedings were disrupted by courtroom chaos in the ED–I-PAC case and Trinamool Congress’s counter petition, the Calcutta HC on Tuesday ordered that Wednesday's hearing will be conducted via live streaming, restricting physical presence to lawyers arguing the matter. The court said only counsels representing the Enforcement Directorate and the TMC would be permitted inside courtroom number five to ensure smooth conduct of the proceedings.