Enforcement Directorate Asserts Right to Approach Supreme Court Under Article 32 Amid Law and Order Concerns
ED tells Supreme Court officers can approach top court under Article 32 if law and order is breached
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has argued before the Supreme Court of India that its officers can invoke Article 32 for legal recourse if law and order is compromised. This statement follows allegations of significant coal smuggling in West Bengal, valued at ₹2,700 crore (approximately $325 million USD).
- 01ED contends its officers can approach the Supreme Court under Article 32 for law and order breaches.
- 02Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlights violations of Article 14 (equality before law) in West Bengal.
- 03The case involves illegal coal smuggling estimated at ₹2,700 crore.
- 04Mehta asserts that the rule of law is paramount and breaches warrant judicial intervention.
- 05ED's argument does not claim a complete breakdown of constitutional machinery in West Bengal.
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) presented its case to the Supreme Court of India, asserting that its officers have the right to seek legal recourse under Article 32 when law and order is compromised. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that recent events in West Bengal indicate violations of Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law. The case revolves around illegal coal smuggling, estimated to be worth ₹2,700 crore (approximately $325 million USD). Mehta emphasized that the rule of law is integral to Article 14 and that the ED officers, acting in both their official and personal capacities, deserve protection for their fundamental rights. He clarified that while there are concerns about law enforcement in West Bengal, he does not claim a complete breakdown of the constitutional machinery, but rather a breach of the rule of law in this specific case.
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The ED's ability to approach the Supreme Court could enhance its authority in tackling law and order issues, potentially leading to more rigorous enforcement actions against illegal activities.
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