SC to Hear ED Plea for CBI Probe Obstruction
Supreme Court to hear ED's plea for CBI probe into alleged obstruction.
Photo by Kevin Grieve
The Supreme Court will hear a petition by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) today, seeking a CBI probe into alleged obstruction of searches at the offices of I-PAC and its co-founder Pratik Jain in Kolkata. The ED alleges that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, state officials, and others obstructed the searches. The ED has named the State of West Bengal, Ms.
Banerjee, and several police officials as parties in the case. The Calcutta High Court disposed of a Trinamool Congress petition after the ED stated it had not seized anything from I-PAC's premises. Ms.
Banerjee claims the searches were an attempt to derail the Trinamool Congress ahead of the 2026 Assembly election.
Key Facts
ED seeks CBI probe: Alleged obstruction of searches
Mamata Banerjee: Accused of obstructing searches
I-PAC: Political consultancy firm involved
2026 Assembly election: Cited by Banerjee as motive
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Role of statutory bodies
GS Paper III: Economy - Prevention of Money Laundering Act
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical
Visual Insights
Location of I-PAC Office in Kolkata
Map showing the location of Kolkata, where the I-PAC office searches took place. This highlights the geographical context of the ED's actions and the alleged obstruction.
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More Information
Background
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) was established on May 1, 1956, initially as an 'Enforcement Unit' within the Department of Economic Affairs. Its primary objective was to handle Exchange Control Laws violations under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947 (FERA '47). In 1957, the unit was renamed the Enforcement Directorate.
The ED's role expanded significantly with the enactment of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973 (FERA '73). Subsequently, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) further broadened its mandate to combat money laundering. Over the years, the ED has evolved from a small unit focused on exchange control violations to a key financial intelligence and law enforcement agency tackling complex financial crimes and economic offenses.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the ED's activities have intensified, particularly in cases involving political figures and high-profile individuals. This has led to increased scrutiny and debates regarding its independence and impartiality. Concerns have been raised about the ED's use of its powers, especially in the context of political rivalries.
The government has emphasized the ED's role in combating economic offenses and ensuring financial stability. Looking ahead, the ED is expected to play an increasingly important role in investigating complex financial crimes, including those related to cryptocurrency and other emerging technologies. Amendments to the PMLA are also anticipated to further strengthen the ED's powers and capabilities.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Enforcement Directorate (ED): 1. The ED was initially established to handle violations of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947. 2. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) significantly expanded the ED's mandate. 3. The ED reports directly to the Prime Minister's Office. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The ED was established to handle FERA violations, and PMLA expanded its mandate. Statement 3 is incorrect as the ED reports to the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
2. In the context of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), consider the following: I. The Act empowers the Enforcement Directorate to attach properties involved in money laundering. II. The Act provides for the establishment of Special Courts to try offenses under the PMLA. III. The Act applies only to offenses listed in its schedule and does not extend to offenses under other laws. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.I and II only
- B.II and III only
- C.I and III only
- D.I, II and III
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statements I and II are correct. PMLA empowers ED to attach properties and provides for Special Courts. Statement III is incorrect because PMLA can be invoked for offenses under other laws if they are predicate offenses to money laundering.
3. Which of the following is NOT a prerequisite for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to initiate an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)?
- A.The existence of a scheduled offense (predicate offense)
- B.Generation of proceeds of crime
- C.Laundering of the proceeds of crime
- D.Approval from the State Legislature
Show Answer
Answer: D
Approval from the State Legislature is not required for the ED to initiate an investigation under PMLA. The other options are essential prerequisites.
Source Articles
Supreme Court to hear on January 15 ED's case for probe into ‘obstruction’ of I-PAC raids by West Bengal CM - The Hindu
Bombay HC petition seeks probe into ‘coercive withdrawals’ behind unopposed civic poll wins - The Hindu
Probe sought into alleged illegal quarrying at Aralam farm - The Hindu
BJP petitions police chief seeking action against KPCC spokesperson - The Hindu
Supreme Court dismisses plea seeking probe into electoral roll irregularities alleged by Rahul Gandhi - The Hindu