The Calcutta High Court on January 9, 2026, adjourned the hearing on the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) plea against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after commotion in the courtroom. The case will now be heard on January 14.
The ED had approached the court claiming that Banerjee obstructed its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) linked to a coal smuggling case. The raids targeted the residence of I‑PAC director Pratik Jain and the consultancy’s Salt Lake office in Kolkata. According to the ED, the searches were being conducted smoothly until the Chief Minister arrived with senior state police officials. The agency alleged that she removed documents and electronic devices from both locations, disrupting the investigation.
During the hearing, a large crowd of lawyers and others in the courtroom caused “enormous disturbance,” making it impossible for the judge, Justice Suvra Ghosh, to continue. Despite repeated warnings to maintain order, the chaos persisted, prompting the judge to adjourn the case.
The legal confrontation follows Banerjee’s direct intervention during the ED raids on January 8. She claimed that the agency attempted to seize sensitive data related to Trinamool Congress’s election strategy ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls. Banerjee described the ED action as politically motivated, alleging it aimed to take party documents and hard drives containing candidate and campaign details.
Trinamool Congress leaders have also filed counter‑petitions and FIRs against ED officials, accusing them of trespass and intimidation during the raids. The dispute highlights rising tensions between the West Bengal government and central investigative agencies as the state prepares for the upcoming elections. Both sides are gearing up for intense legal battles before the next hearing.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 14, where the High Court is expected to address the ED’s petition and the related counterclaims.
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