I-PAC raid: SC slams Mamata Banerjee, warns on democracy

The Supreme Court on Wednesday strongly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for interfering in an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at I-PAC co-founder Pratik Jain’s residence in January. The court said a sitting chief minister cannot enter or disrupt an ongoing investigation. It called the act inappropriate and serious, and flagged concerns over such conduct.

Moreover, the bench said such actions raise concerns about democratic institutions and governance. It added that people in high office must follow the law and set an example. Therefore, any interference during a probe weakens public trust and creates doubts about fairness in investigations. The court also noted that maintaining due process is essential for a healthy democracy.

Court’s sharp take on I-PAC

During the hearing, the Supreme Court took a strict stand and directly questioned Banerjee’s conduct. The bench said she misused her position while acting as an individual. It also warned that such actions can put democracy at risk and affect institutional balance.

The judges stressed that no one stands above the law, regardless of position or authority. They added that interfering in an official probe sends a wrong message to the public. Hence, it can damage the credibility of investigative agencies and weaken the rule of law. The court further emphasized that institutions must function independently without external pressure.

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ED raid turns political flashpoint

Meanwhile, the ED carried out the raid in January over money laundering allegations linked to the case. The situation escalated when Banerjee entered Pratik Jain’s residence during the operation. This move quickly turned the issue into a major political controversy.

Additionally, the agency claimed that someone removed key evidence from the site during the disruption. As a result, the case drew wider attention across political and legal circles. Now, both legal proceedings and political reactions are likely to shape the developments in the coming days, making it a closely watched issue.

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