Democracy on Trial: Mamata Banerjee's Alleged Interference Sparks Supreme Court Scrutiny

The Supreme Court has sharply criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her alleged interference in an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation in Kolkata. The court raised alarms over potential threats to democracy if a chief minister disrupts ongoing probes by central agencies.

Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and N V Anjaria expressed these concerns amidst legal arguments about the maintainability of the ED's petition. The case revolves around the alleged obstruction during the ED's January 8 raid on the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office, linking it to a money-laundering investigation.

The court remains skeptical of treating this as a mere state versus center conflict, emphasizing potential misuse of power. The hearing is set to continue, with serious implications for the balance of power in federal relations.

(With inputs from agencies.)