I-PAC raids: SC stays FIRs against ED officers over coal scam raids

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed FIRs registered against Enforcement Directorate officials in connection with raids on I-PAC office and its director’s premises in connection with the alleged coal theft scam, until the next date of hearing.

The Supreme Court’s order came in a case arising out of incidents on January 8 in which Enforcement Directorate officials were allegedly obstructed while searching the Kolkata office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the residence of its director Pratik Jain as part of the investigation into the alleged coal theft scam.

The investigating agency claimed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee entered the building and took away “key” evidence related to the investigation.
Following the raids, FIRs were registered by the West Bengal police against ED officers and the agency approached the top court seeking protection, alleging that its officers were targeted for carrying out bona fide investigations.

Observing that the case raises larger questions that could lead to lawlessness if left unanswered, the court said that central institutions investigating serious crimes cannot be hindered by political party activities. He issued notice to the respondents and directed them to file their counter-affidavit within two weeks.

A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi had issued notice earlier in the day and said they planned to hear the matter. He had verbally said, “This is a very serious issue; we will issue a communiqué. We need to examine this.”