The Supreme Court on Thursday stepped in to protect Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials from coercive action, putting all proceedings against them on hold in connection with the controversial searches conducted at the Kolkata office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the residence of its founder Pratik Jain earlier this month.

A bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi passed interim orders after taking note of the ED’s plea alleging serious interference in its investigation during the January 8 raids. The central agency has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior state police officers of entering the raid locations and removing material linked to an ongoing probe.

Calling the matter grave and of wider constitutional importance, the apex court issued notice to the West Bengal government and sought its detailed response. The bench observed that unresolved disputes of this nature could undermine the rule of law and create a dangerous precedent if investigative agencies are prevented from carrying out their statutory duties.

As immediate relief, the court stayed all FIRs lodged by the West Bengal Police against ED officials in connection with the raids. It also directed the state administration to preserve all CCTV footage related to the January 8 incident in its original form, warning against any tampering or alteration.

The ED has also requested that the Supreme Court order an independent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged obstruction, arguing that state machinery was used to derail a federal probe. The court has not yet ruled on this demand but indicated that it would examine the issue after hearing all parties.

Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee has maintained that the ED exceeded its authority, accusing the agency of acting with political motives. The Trinamool Congress has rejected the allegations of obstruction, while defending the actions of the state government and police.