Mamata Urges CJI to Safeguard Constitution, Democracy, and Judiciary Amid Rising Media Trials

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called upon Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to protect the country's Constitution, democracy, and judiciary from a perceived "disaster". Speaking at the inauguration of the new Jalpaiguri circuit bench of the Calcutta high court, Banerjee emphasized the need to prevent media trials, which she believes can malign individuals and undermine the legal process. The chief minister's comments come in the wake of a high-profile standoff between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government. The ED had conducted searches at 10 locations, including the office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain. Banerjee had entered Jain's residence and removed documents and a laptop, accusing the agency of seizing her party's internal documents and sensitive data. Banerjee has lodged criminal complaints against the ED, alleging that it "stole" valuable data relating to her party's strategy for the 2026 assembly polls and the candidate list. The ED has, in turn, accused the TMC chief of interfering with its operation and removing evidence. Banerjee also used the opportunity to appeal to the Chief Justice to prioritize the welfare of junior lawyers, who she claims are struggling to receive their due benefits. Notably, the West Bengal government has set up 88 fast-track courts, despite the central government having stopped funding for such initiatives. The chief minister's statement has been met with criticism from senior BJP leader Rahul Sinha, who has accused Banerjee of attempting to play the victim card in front of the judges. The Supreme Court has already issued a notice in the matter, staying FIRs against ED officials.