The Calcutta High Court on Monday issued a formal advisory to regulate entry into the courtroom that will hear the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) case involving political consultancy firm I-PAC, citing serious concerns over overcrowding and disruption witnessed during the previous hearing. The matter is scheduled to be taken up on Tuesday, in accordance with earlier directions issued by Justice Shuvra Ghosh.
As per the notification released by the High Court, only senior advocates, their assisting counsels, and the advocates-on-record (AORs) representing the concerned parties will be allowed inside the courtroom during the hearing. The restriction has been put in place to ensure order and discipline during court proceedings.
The court clarified that the decision to regulate entry was taken in view of the excessive crowding and commotion observed during the last hearing on Friday. The situation had become so disruptive that Justice Ghosh was compelled to adjourn the matter, prompting the court administration to take preventive steps ahead of the next hearing.
While physical access to the courtroom will remain restricted, the High Court has made arrangements for the proceedings to be live-streamed. This will allow members of the public, legal observers, and the media to follow the case virtually without contributing to congestion inside the courtroom.
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate has moved the Supreme Court seeking an urgent hearing in connection with developments in the case pending before the Calcutta High Court. The central agency has challenged certain aspects related to the ongoing proceedings.
In response, the West Bengal government has filed a caveat before the apex court, requesting that no interim or final order be passed without giving it an opportunity to be heard.
The case originates from searches conducted by the ED last Thursday at the Kolkata premises of political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) and its director Pratik Jain. The searches were part of a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged multi-crore coal pilferage scam.
The ED has alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee entered the search locations during the operation and removed crucial evidence, including documents and electronic devices. The Chief Minister has strongly denied these allegations, accusing the central agency of exceeding its authority.
Following the incident, the ED approached the Calcutta High Court seeking a CBI investigation against the Chief Minister. The High Court has adjourned the hearing on that plea to January 14, pending further consideration.
