High court dismisses TMC plea, adjourns ED matter for hearing on 26 Jan

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday disposed of the Trinamool Congress’s plea linked to the Enforcement Directorate’s searches at premises associated with political consultancy firm I-PAC, after the probe agency stated that no material or data was seized during the raids conducted on January 8.

During the hearing, the High Court recorded the ED’s categorical submission that no documents, digital devices or backups were taken from either the I-PAC office or the residence searched. Copies of the panchanamas were also noted by the court, which showed that no seizure had been made, leading it to conclude that nothing survived in the application.

The TMC clarified before the court that its only remaining prayer was for protection and preservation of any politically confidential data, if seized. However, in view of the ED’s assurance that no data was taken, the court held that the petition had become infructuous and formally disposed of it.

The ED, during arguments, questioned the maintainability of the petition, claiming the affidavit filed by the TMC was vague and speculative, and that the petitioner had no direct connection with the searched premises. The agency further alleged that all documents were taken away by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a claim strongly contested by the TMC.

While disposing of the TMC plea, the High Court adjourned the ED’s separate application, granting the agency time to place its submissions on record. The court clarified that it was not examining the merits of the controversy but was limited to the issue raised in the disposed application.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the ED’s plea in the matter on Thursday, even as related proceedings before the High Court stand deferred. The case has drawn significant political attention amid allegations and counter-allegations over search, seizure and protection of political data.