ED Alleges Trinamool Supporters Attempted to Hijack Court Proceedings in I-PAC Case

The Enforcement Directorate has accused supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal of attempting to disrupt and influence judicial proceedings linked to the ongoing investigation involving political consultancy firm I-PAC. The allegations were outlined by the central agency as it intensified its legal push in the Supreme Court, raising serious concerns over interference in due process.

According to the Enforcement Directorate, the incident occurred during court-related proceedings following searches conducted at premises connected to I-PAC as part of a broader probe into alleged financial irregularities. The agency has claimed that organised groups affiliated with the Trinamool Congress attempted to create pressure around the judicial process, describing the episode as an effort to “hijack” court proceedings.

The controversy has further deepened the standoff between the central agency and the West Bengal government led by Mamata Banerjee. The ED has argued that the alleged actions by Trinamool supporters undermined its ability to conduct an independent and fair investigation, forcing it to seek urgent intervention from the apex court.

The case relates to searches carried out at locations associated with I-PAC, a political consultancy firm that has worked closely with the Trinamool Congress during recent election campaigns. The ED maintains that the raids were conducted in accordance with legal procedures under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and were linked to a wider probe into suspected financial transactions and routing of funds.

In its submissions, the agency alleged that the presence and conduct of political supporters created an atmosphere of intimidation, potentially influencing both investigative officers and the judicial process. The ED contended that such actions set a dangerous precedent, particularly when politically sensitive investigations are involved.

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has strongly denied the allegations. Party leaders have accused the ED of misusing central investigative powers for political ends and have questioned the legality and intent behind the raids. The party has consistently maintained that I-PAC’s work pertains strictly to election strategy and campaign management, which it argues falls outside the scope of financial crime investigations.

Anticipating further legal action by the ED, the West Bengal government has already filed a caveat in the Supreme Court. A caveat ensures that no order is passed without hearing the state’s version, reflecting the heightened legal preparedness on both sides as the dispute moves to the highest judicial forum.

The legal battle has also triggered parallel developments at the state level. Authorities in Kolkata have initiated their own inquiries following complaints related to the searches, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding confrontation between state institutions and central agencies.

Legal experts note that the case has significant implications beyond the immediate dispute. It raises broader questions about the balance of power between central investigative bodies and state governments, the protection of judicial independence, and the safeguards required to prevent political mobilisation from spilling into court processes.

As the matter now awaits further hearings in the Supreme Court, the outcome is expected to shape not only the future course of the I-PAC investigation but also set important precedents on how allegations of political interference in judicial and investigative processes are addressed in India.

The situation remains fluid, with further legal filings and responses anticipated in the coming days as both sides prepare for a prolonged judicial confrontation.