ED Tells SC No Claim of Constitutional Breakdown in Bengal Case

• Enforcement Directorate clarifies stand before Supreme Court of India
• Denies arguing breakdown of constitutional machinery in Bengal
• Court warns such claims could trigger serious consequences
• Probe linked to Indian Political Action Committee case

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd April: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday told the Supreme Court of India that it has not argued there is a breakdown of constitutional machinery in West Bengal in connection with the ongoing probe into the Indian Political Action Committee case.

During the hearing, the Solicitor General clarified that the agency’s submission was limited to an alleged breach of the rule of law and should not be interpreted as suggesting constitutional failure.

The Supreme Court cautioned that any argument pointing to a breakdown of constitutional machinery would have “far-reaching consequences,” including the potential imposition of President’s Rule.

The observations came a day after the court noted that democracy could be at risk if a Chief Minister interferes in an investigation, referring to allegations of obstruction during an ED search operation in Kolkata involving Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The ED has alleged obstruction by state authorities during its January 8 search at the I-PAC office in connection with a money laundering investigation.

Justice N.V. Anjaria, during the hearing, cautioned against overstating the situation, prompting the government’s counsel to reiterate that the agency was not suggesting any constitutional breakdown.

Separately, internal communication from I-PAC indicated that the organisation has temporarily paused its ground operations in West Bengal for 20 days, citing ongoing legal issues. The firm stated it is cooperating with the legal process and expressed confidence that due process will be followed.

The matter remains under consideration before the Supreme Court.