Supreme Court Makes Sensational Comments on Enforcement Directorate

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday issued stern remarks against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding its raids on government liquor shops in Tamil Nadu. Expressing strong displeasure, the court observed that the ED was "crossing all limits" and violating the concept of federal governance. The court directed that further actions in the matter be halted immediately, stating that hearings would resume after the court's vacation.

The Enforcement Directorate had conducted raids in March and again last week on Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) outlets. These raids were based on allegations of unaccounted cash generation through the misuse of funds in collaboration with liquor transporters, bar licensees, bottle manufacturing companies, and distilleries. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal informed the court that several mobile phones had been seized during the raids and their data cloned.

Responding to these submissions, the bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai commented sharply: "You may file cases against individuals... but how can you do so against corporations? Your ED is crossing all limits!"

These comments were made during a hearing of petitions filed by the Tamil Nadu government, led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and TASMAC, challenging the April 23 order by the Madras High Court which had permitted the ED’s actions.

The DMK welcomed the Supreme Court's latest orders. DMK leader R.S. Bharathi stated, “This is a severe blow to the BJP's attempts to discredit the state government.” The development comes amid growing allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is misusing central agencies to target opposition leaders and parties. With the state assembly elections scheduled for next year, these allegations and ongoing investigations are expected to further intensify political tensions.