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Supreme Court to Hear Plea Against Mamata Banerjee

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 4:29 GMT by The Hans India
      Locales: West Bengal, INDIA

New Delhi, February 7th, 2026 - The Supreme Court is set to hear a highly contentious plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleging that former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attempted to obstruct an investigation into the activities of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The case, already fraught with political implications, promises to further escalate tensions between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the center and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal.

The roots of this legal battle trace back to a complaint lodged by Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Rajeev Kumar. Kumar's allegations center around alleged electoral malpractices committed by I-PAC during the 2019 general elections, specifically within West Bengal. While details of the specific malpractices remain under investigation, the complaint prompted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register a case.

The ED's involvement came later, expanding the scope of the investigation to encompass potential financial irregularities. The agency alleges that Banerjee, while holding the office of Chief Minister, actively intervened in the investigation, attempting to shield I-PAC from scrutiny. This allegation is the core of the current Supreme Court appeal.

The ED's decision to approach the apex court follows a recent ruling by the Calcutta High Court which permitted the CBI to continue its investigation into the I-PAC matter. The ED seemingly views this as insufficient, arguing that the High Court's decision doesn't address the crucial element of alleged obstruction by a powerful political figure - Banerjee herself. Legal experts suggest the ED is framing the case as not just about potential electoral fraud, but about the integrity of the investigative process itself.

The upcoming Supreme Court hearing will focus on two key questions. Firstly, the court will determine whether the ED's plea is even maintainable, meaning if the agency has sufficient grounds to bring the case before the Supreme Court. This involves assessing if the alleged interference by Banerjee constitutes a violation of legal procedures serious enough to warrant the Supreme Court's intervention. Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, the court will consider whether the evidence presented by the ED warrants further investigation into Banerjee's alleged actions.

I-PAC, a political consulting firm, has been involved in several high-profile election campaigns across India, including notably successful ones for the TMC in West Bengal. Its work involves data analysis, voter outreach, and campaign strategy, raising questions about the line between legitimate political maneuvering and illegal electoral practices. The firm's rapid rise and influence have made it a target for political opponents who claim it employs unethical - or even illegal - tactics.

The TMC has vehemently denied all allegations of wrongdoing, branding the investigations as a politically motivated witch-hunt orchestrated by the BJP-led central government. Party leaders accuse the CBI and ED of being used as tools to harass political opponents and destabilize the TMC in West Bengal, a state where the BJP is seeking to expand its influence. They argue that the timing of the investigations, close to upcoming elections, is particularly suspicious.

This case comes against a backdrop of increasingly strained relations between the TMC and the BJP. West Bengal has been a key battleground in recent years, witnessing fierce political clashes and a growing polarization of public opinion. Observers believe the outcome of this legal battle could have significant repercussions for the political landscape in the state and potentially influence future election strategies.

The Supreme Court's decision will not only determine the fate of the I-PAC investigation but also set a precedent regarding the extent to which political figures can be investigated for allegedly interfering with law enforcement agencies. The court is expected to deliver a ruling that balances the need for a fair and impartial investigation with the protection of political rights and the prevention of abuse of power. The hearing promises to be a closely watched event, with implications that extend far beyond the specific allegations in this case.