On 14 January 2026, the Calcutta High Court took up a high-profile legal battle between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) linked to the controversial I-PAC raids in Kolkata. The case has drawn national attention because it involves major political players, allegations of obstruction during a probe, and concerns over courtroom order.
The legal dispute began after the ED conducted searches on 8 January at several locations linked to political consultancy firm I-PAC and its director Pratik Jain, as part of its investigation into alleged money laundering connected with a coal smuggling case. The ED claims that during the raid, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee entered the premises and removed documents and electronic devices, allegedly interfering with the investigation. The agency later approached the Calcutta High Court seeking directions, including a CBI probe and action against those who obstructed the probe.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC), in its own petition, asked the court to protect data and information allegedly seized by the ED, arguing that the agency might misuse sensitive campaign material and electoral data, especially with the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approaching. In response, the ED told the court that nothing was seized during the raid, leading the High Court to dispose of TMC’s plea on that issue.
Previously, the hearing on this matter had to be adjourned because of chaos and overcrowding in the courtroom, which made it impossible to proceed. To prevent a repeat of this disruption, the High Court ordered that the 14 January hearing be live-streamed, and only lawyers directly involved in the case would be allowed inside the courtroom. This measure was taken to maintain decorum and ensure the legal process could continue smoothly.
The case remains politically charged and legally complex. In parallel, the ED has also taken the issue to the Supreme Court, and the West Bengal government has filed a caveat, asking that no orders be passed without hearing its side. Further hearings and legal arguments are expected to unfold in the coming weeks.