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The Calcutta High Court on Friday (January 9, 2026) adjourned hearings in cases pertaining to the Enforcement Directorate’s raids conducted a day earlier at the Kolkata premises of political strategy consultancy Indian Political Action Committee, citing chaos that unfolded in the courtroom.
The matter has been adjourned till January 14. It was being heard by Justice Suvra Ghosh. During the hearing, chaos and commotion erupted among those present in the courtroom and continued despite the Bench urging those not connected with the cases to disperse.
The ED on Thursday carried out raids at the I-PAC office and the residence of its chief, Prateek Jain, in connection with a money laundering case. During the raids, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the spot in person, accusing the Central investigation agency of stealing sensitive documents pertaining to party strategy ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled this year. I-PAC advises the Trinamool Congress on political strategy.
The ED counter alleged that the search was hindered by the Chief Minister’s arrival and accused her of taking away “evidence including physical documents and electronic devices”. “Proceedings were being conducted in a peaceful and professional manner, till the arrival of West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee along with large number of police officials,” an ED statement dated January 8, 2025, read.
The agency moved the court alleging obstruction of its investigation. Later on Friday, counsel representing the ED mentioned the matter before a Bench headed by the Acting Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, which declined to intervene. The case will be heard again on January 14.
Published – January 09, 2026 10:27 pm IST
