Proceedings at the Calcutta High Court were adjourned on Friday after disruptions broke out during the hearing related to Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at the residence of I-PAC director Pratik Jain. The presiding judge noted that repeated requests to maintain order were ignored, making it impossible to continue the hearing.
Justice Suvra Ghosh observed that a large number of lawyers and other individuals entered the courtroom during the proceedings, creating what she described as “enormous disturbance and commotion.” According to the court order, appeals for discipline and decorum “fell on deaf ears,” prompting the court to adjourn the matter.
“The environment in the courtroom is not conducive to commence or continue with the hearing,” the judge stated, adding that the court was left with no option but to defer the case.
The hearing took place amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal, following ED searches linked to the alleged 2020 coal smuggling case. The situation escalated a day earlier when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the I-PAC office during the raids, drawing sharp political reactions.
The High Court was scheduled to hear two separate petitions—one filed by the Enforcement Directorate and the other by the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). The ED has sought a CBI inquiry against the chief minister, alleging obstruction of an ongoing investigation. In contrast, the TMC petition seeks directions to prevent central agencies from sharing or leaking information related to the party.
Later in the day, Banerjee intensified her criticism of the Centre by leading a large protest rally in Kolkata, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misusing central agencies to target political opponents ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
The case remains closely watched as legal and political developments continue to unfold in the state.
