West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has suffered a significant legal setback after the Calcutta High Court set aside her objection against the Enforcement Directorate (ED), drawing sharp political reactions across the country. The court’s decision has sparked fresh debate over the role of constitutional authorities and the limits of political intervention in ongoing investigations.
Mamata Banerjee Faces Setback as Calcutta High Court Rejects Objection to ED Action
The ruling comes in the backdrop of a controversial episode in which Mamata Banerjee had entered an ongoing ED raid linked to an alleged coal smuggling and money laundering case. The incident, which unfolded in full public view, had triggered strong criticism, with opposition leaders accusing the Chief Minister of interfering in the functioning of central investigative agencies.
Reacting to the court’s order, BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya termed the development a “massive embarrassment” for Mamata Banerjee. In a social media post, he said the High Court had delivered a clear rebuke to what he described as “blatant interference” by the Chief Minister, adding that constitutional authorities cannot be pressured through political theatrics.
The episode has once again intensified the Centre vs State political tussle in West Bengal
According to Malviya, the court’s decision underscores the primacy of the rule of law and exposes what he called the Trinamool Congress leadership’s desperation to shield corruption. He further stated that the judiciary has sent a strong message that investigative agencies must be allowed to function independently, without political intimidation.
The episode has once again intensified the Centre vs State political tussle in West Bengal, where ED and CBI actions against alleged corruption cases have frequently led to confrontations between the Trinamool Congress government and the BJP-led Centre.
With the Calcutta High Court ruling now on record, attention is likely to shift to the Supreme Court, as indicated by BJP leaders, suggesting that the legal battle over the ED’s actions may not be over yet.
The development adds to the growing political pressure on Mamata Banerjee, even as the Trinamool Congress continues to accuse central agencies of political misuse.
