The Calcutta HighCourt is heading the plea by the ED alleging interference by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during raids at the offices of the I-PAC pertaining to a 2020 coal scam.
The agency alleges that the CM took away important documents while the raid was ongoing.
The Trinamool Congress has also filed a plea stating that the ED took away election-related documents from the offices of the poll consultants who are advising the state's ruling party on strategy for the upcoming Bengal assembly elections.
A bench of Justice Suvra Ghosh is hearing the matter. Follow this page for live updates.
Sr Adv: kindly record that adjournment is sought by them
Court: on the ground that ED has filed an SLP before the SC, the matter is adjourned. Liberty to mention after the SC matter is disposed of.
Court: since he is asking for an adjournment, let me adjourn it
Sr Adv: since hearing has commenced, I am suggesting
ASG: court has said matter is adjourned how can you argue. Trinamool Congress is not a party in the second matter
Court: I am adjourning the second matter
ASG: i am thankful for a patient hearing
Sr Adv Kalyan Banerjee: I am appearing I’m behalf of the chairperson of the AITC Mamata Banerjee
Court: Panchnamas demonstrate that nothing was seized from either the office of IPAC or its director.
In view of such submissions, nothing remains to be dealt with and the matter is disposed of.
ASG: it may be recorded that Mamata Banerjee seized everything
Court: respondents submit that nothing was seized from the premises on the searches made on 8th January.
ASG: whatever was seized was seized by Mamata Banerjee
Court dictating order.
Court: Only prayer of the petitioner is for preservation of political confidential data and protection of the same from being divulged.
ASG: I have stated that nothing was seized, and thus their plea may be disposed of. Nothing has been seized. Whatever was taken was taken away by Mamata Banerjee.
Court: Panchnama also says that nothing was seized
Guruswamy: I never said it will be withdrawn…you are having momentary amnesia
Raju: then it may be disposed of…I have no objection
ASG: the petitioners have stated that based on my statement their matter be withdrawn
Guruswamy: please record that he said nothing was seized and dispose it off
Mr Raju doesn’t know the difference between seized and disposed of
Guruswamy: the fear is the our political consultants office was attacked just a few months before the state election.
The next time you want to refer to a CM by name, give her the respect of calling her a CM.
Maintain decorum Mr Raju.