"We are concerned about the allegations of a constitutional functionary entering a search premises. At the same time, we must ensure that an investigation does not turn into a tool for political data-mining."
As of 11:30 AM today, January 12, 2026, the Supreme Court has commenced the hearing on the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) high-profile petition against the West Bengal Government.
The courtroom is packed, and the atmosphere in Court No. 1 is tense as the Chief Justice and Justice Bagchi have begun taking up "Miscellaneous Matters."
1. Live Display Board Status
Court Number: 1 (Chief Justice’s Court)
Bench: CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi
Current Item: The court is currently finishing the first few fresh admission items. The ED's petition is being mentioned by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
Presence of Caveator: As anticipated, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal is already on his feet, representing the State of West Bengal. The caveat has effectively prevented any early morning ex-parte (one-sided) orders.
2. The Solicitor General’s Opening (ED's Arguments)
The Solicitor General has begun by painting a picture of a "total collapse of the constitutional order" in West Bengal.
The "Evidence Theft": He is emphasizing that the Chief Minister’s act of removing a laptop and a green folder from a PMLA search site is not just obstruction, but a criminal act of "theft and destruction of evidence."
Targeting the I-PAC Raid: The ED argues that the ₹10 crore hawala link to the coal scam is the "proceeds of crime," and the digital devices contain the trail.
3. The "Untainted Property" & PMLA Review Context
This is where the Vijay Madanlal Choudhary review becomes critical today.
The State's Push: Kapil Sibal has just interjected, arguing that the ED’s definition of "proceeds of crime" in this raid is overly broad. He is subtly referencing that the "untainted property" requirement is currently being reviewed by this very bench later this month.
The Argument: The State is contending that the ED is using the "mere possession" rule (upheld in 2022 but under review now) to seize confidential political data that has nothing to do with money laundering.
Next Update: 1:00 PM
The arguments are getting more technical regarding the Article 136 petition (the ED's bypass of the High Court).