I-PAC Raid Case: SC Raps Mamata Banerjee, Says She Cannot Put 'Democracy in Peril'
The Supreme Court criticises West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for allegedly interfering in an ED probe into I-PAC; it observed that a sitting CM cannot “storm” or intervene in an investigation
April 22, 2026 - The Supreme Court of India has come down heavily on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her actions during an ongoing probe into I-PAC in January 2026. It said a Chief Minister “cannot just walk into” an active investigation being carried out by a Central Agency and that such conduct puts "democracy in peril”.
“This is, per se, an action by an individual who happens to be the CM who has used the entire system to put democracy in peril,” the Court told Banerjee.
The issue stems from a raid by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the offices of the political consultancy firm I-PAC (Indian Political Action Committee). The ED alleged that Banerjee entered the I-PAC offices during the raid and removed documents, devices and materials, which it calls interference/obstruction of investigation.
A two-judge Bench of Justices PK Mishra and NV Anjaria were continuing to hear counsels on behalf of the West Bengal administration which seeks a probe by the CBI into allegations against the CM and other associates. Writ petitions had been filed by the ED seeking FIR against Banerjee and the police for alleged obstruction of ED duties.
The Bench emphasised that this was not a Centre vs State dispute, but about rule of law and observed that a sitting CM cannot “storm” or intervene in an investigation.
Describing the situation in West Bengal as “extraordinary”, the Court said: "Don't compel us to make observations. This is not a litigation between Ram vs Shyam. This is an extraordinary situation where the contours are totally different. The court has to take decision keeping in view socio-political realities. It is an ever-evolving process.”
The I-PAC probe is linked to a money-laundering investigation and has triggered a major political clash between the West Bengal government (TMC) and the ED.
The Trinamool Congress-led State Government alleged that the ED raids were politically motivated coming just ahead of the West Bengal Assembly polls.
#SupremeCourt #MamataBanerjee #IPACProbe #EDRaid #WestBengalPolitics #IndianPolitics #RuleOfLaw #Democracy #CBIProbe #PoliticalNews #IndiaNews #BreakingNews
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