West Bengal Govt Files Caveat As ED Moves Supreme Court Against Mamata Banerjee

New Delhi: Amidst the ongoing conflict between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the West Bengal government has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court. This case is related to the ED's raids on the residence and office of Prateek Jain, director of the political consultancy firm 'Indian Political Action Committee' (I-PAC). 

What has the West Bengal government demanded? 

The petitioner in this case is Kunal Mimani. Through the caveat, the West Bengal government has requested the apex court to hear its side before passing any order in this matter. The state government's move comes amidst speculation that the ED might approach the Supreme Court in connection with the developments in the I-PAC case. 

Officials told the media that the central agency is currently considering all its legal options, including approaching the Supreme Court. The ED is reviewing every possible avenue before finalizing its legal strategy. The Enforcement Directorate had filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court seeking registration of an FIR against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. 

Why has the TMC approached the High Court? 

The TMC also filed a petition in the High Court questioning the legality of the raids and claiming it was a conspiracy to interfere in the 2026 assembly elections. The ED alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee obstructed the agency’s officials during the raids on the I-PAC premises in Kolkata. 

However, this petition could not be heard immediately. First, a single-judge bench and then a division bench headed by the acting Chief Justice refused to hear the matter before January 14. Since then, it has been anticipated that the Enforcement Directorate might approach the Supreme Court. Anticipating this possibility, the West Bengal government has filed a caveat petition in the Supreme Court as a precautionary measure, to prevent any ex-parte order from being passed without hearing the state's side.

The case dates back to January 8, 2026, when the ED raided several locations in Kolkata, including Prateek Jain's residence on Loudon Street and the I-PAC office in Salt Lake Sector-V. The ED's action is reportedly linked to an investigation into money laundering and a coal scam. During the raid, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself arrived at Prateek Jain's residence and took away some documents and electronic devices. She accused the ED of attempting to seize confidential TMC political documents, candidate lists, and materials related to the strategy for the 2026 assembly elections.