ED Moves Supreme Court Over I-PAC Coal Scam | What do we know
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has escalated the political and legal standoff in West Bengal by approaching the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing in the alleged I-PAC coal scam case. The central probe agency filed an Article 32 petition, contending that its investigation into the matter was obstructed by the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The EDs plea claims that its fundamental right to conduct a fair and independent investigation has been curtailed by state machinery. It has further sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged obstruction incidents.
In response, the West Bengal government had previously filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, urging that no one-sided decision be made without hearing their side. The state government has also filed two First Information Reports (FIRs) against ED officials, one alleging document theft during raids and another citing harassment.