The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the appeals filed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee and his wife, Rujira Banerjee, challenging the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the West Bengal school jobs scam.
The couple had contested the ED’s directive requiring them to appear in person in New Delhi, arguing that their primary residence is in Kolkata. They claimed that being summoned to the national capital was both unnecessary and unjustified, given their Kolkata residency.
The verdict was delivered by a bench comprising Justices Bela Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma, following a reserved judgment on August 13. The court, however, dismissed the Banerjees’ arguments and upheld the ED’s summons.
The case revolves around alleged irregularities in the recruitment process for primary school teachers in West Bengal. Reports suggest that candidates secured positions by paying bribes, leading to widespread criticism and political tension. The ED has linked the Banerjees to the alleged diversion of funds through their association with a company called Leaps and Bounds.
Amid the ongoing investigation, the TMC has accused the central government of using investigative agencies like the ED to target its political opponents. The party claims the probe is part of a broader strategy to undermine opposition voices ahead of upcoming elections.
Abhishek Banerjee, the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is a prominent leader in the TMC, and the case has added to the political storm surrounding the recruitment scam.
