Kolkata, July 27: In the ongoing investigation into the teachers’ recruitment case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has informed the Calcutta High Court that it will refrain from taking any “coercive” action, which includes arresting Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee until July 31. This statement comes after a series of legal developments and appeals made by Abhishek Banerjee regarding the ED and CBI inquiry against him in the school jobs scam.
The matter began on April 13 when Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of the Calcutta High Court permitted the ED and CBI inquiry against Abhishek Banerjee. In response, Banerjee approached the Supreme Court and raised concerns about certain alleged remarks made by the judge against him during an interview with a television news channel.
The Supreme Court, after examining a report from the High Court Registrar General, reassigned the case to Justice Amrita Sinha on April 24. However, on May 18, Justice Sinha dismissed Banerjee’s plea seeking a recall of the earlier order, allowing the CBI and ED to question him in the case. Unfazed, Banerjee appealed to the Supreme Court once again.
On July 10, the bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha refused to interfere with the High Court’s May 18 order. The bench emphasized that intervening at this stage could stifle the investigation in its early stages. However, it granted Banerjee the right to pursue all available remedies in the High Court under Section 482 of the CrPC.
The Supreme Court clarified that the earlier directions issued by the single judge on April 13 and the impugned order on May 18 would not come in the way of Banerjee if he chooses to exercise his legal remedies. The court also mentioned that the April 13 order was issued in response to a petition filed in the public interest, exercising suo motu jurisdiction.
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As a result, Banerjee’s counsel approached the single-judge bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh. However, on Monday, Justice Ghosh recused himself from the case due to technical objections raised by the ED regarding the matter being heard in his court. Consequently, the case was sent to the Division Bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, which later reverted it back to Justice Ghosh’s single bench.
On Wednesday, Justice Ghosh decided to postpone the hearing until July 31. This move allows Banerjee more time to present his case and pursue legal remedies without facing any coercive action from the ED until the mentioned date.
The school jobs scam has been a matter of significant public interest, and the involvement of a prominent political figure like Abhishek Banerjee has only heightened its importance. The allegations and investigations surrounding the case have led to intense legal battles and debates, making it a closely-watched affair in the Indian political and legal landscape.
As the case progresses, many will be eagerly awaiting the developments on July 31, when the next hearing is scheduled. Until then, Abhishek Banerjee can continue to explore his legal options under the assurance that he will not face any immediate coercive action from the ED. As the legal process unfolds, the truth behind the school jobs scam will hopefully come to light, bringing justice to those affected and holding the guilty parties accountable.
