‘Can’t dictate hearing schedule’: Supreme Court pulls up Bengal in I-PAC raid case

SC refuses adjournment in ED’s I-PAC case, raps Bengal over request for more time

March 18, 2026

Court says hearing will proceed despite state seeking more time

ED alleges interference by Mamata Banerjee during I-PAC raids

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday pulled up the West Bengal government in the I-PAC raid case, observing that parties “cannot dictate” when a matter should be heard.

Court rejects delay plea

The top court made the remark while hearing a writ petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate, which has alleged interference in its investigation into Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), a political consultancy firm.

The Bengal government had sought additional time to respond to a counter-affidavit filed by the ED, arguing that it contained fresh allegations requiring a detailed reply.

However, the court declined the request, noting that the rejoinder had already been filed days earlier and that proceedings would continue.

‘Cannot dictate court proceedings’

When senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the state, argued that the government felt “handicapped” without filing a response, the court remarked that the proceedings were not a contest to secure adjournments.

It further clarified that litigants cannot dictate the schedule of hearings.

ED alleges interference by CM

The ED has accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and state officials of obstructing its investigation during raids conducted at I-PAC offices in January as part of a money laundering probe.

According to the agency, the Chief Minister entered the premises with her Z-plus security during the searches and interfered with the process, allegedly retrieving incriminating material.

Centre opposes extension

Opposing the state’s plea, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the affidavit in question had been filed on February 19 and that the request for more time was a tactic to delay proceedings.

He termed it “shocking” for a Chief Minister to interfere in an investigation by a central agency and said the matter was being deliberately prolonged.

State seeks opportunity to respond

Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, also representing the Bengal government, maintained that the new allegations warranted an opportunity for the state to respond formally.

Despite the arguments, the court decided to proceed with the hearing without granting further time.

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