On February 18, 2026, the West Bengal government and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) clashed in the Supreme Court. The state accused the Centre of using ED as a “weapon” against Opposition-ruled states. Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra said, “The ED has been weaponised.” Responding, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju for ED said, “We are being terrorised” by Mamata Banerjee’s government. The dispute arose during an ED petition for a CBI probe into alleged obstruction of its raids at political consultancy firm I-PAC, linked with the ruling Trinamool Congress. The raids investigate a ₹2,742-crore coal smuggling case. The Bench of Justices P.K. Mishra and K.V. Viswanathan will hear the matter again on March 18. The state contends that ED lacks rights to approach the Supreme Court, given a similar case is pending in Calcutta High Court. On January 15, the Supreme Court stayed police probes against ED officials after allegations that election data linked to Trinamool Congress was stolen during raids. The court flagged serious questions about the limits of Central agencies’ investigation and state interference. The Bench warned of risks to the rule of law should these issues remain unresolved. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said a rejoinder would be filed soon. This legal battle highlights tensions between the Centre and West Bengal over ED’s actions and political influence.