Kolkata, April 23: The Calcutta High Court on Thursday, April 23, granted temporary protection to West Bengal Fire Minister Sujit Bose from Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons, ruling that he need not appear before the federal agency until after the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections conclude. Justice Krishna Rao directed Bose to present himself before the ED on May 1, providing a clear deadline while shielding him during the campaign period.

Court's Order and Key Directives

Hearing Sujit Bose's petition, the court carefully weighed the timing of the ED summons against the backdrop of active electioneering. Justice Krishna Rao ruled that Bose is exempted from appearing at the ED office immediately and must comply with the summons by May 1, 2025.

The court's order effectively pauses the federal agency's pressure on the minister during a politically sensitive period, though it does not dismiss the summons entirely. Legal observers note this is a conditional relief, not an exoneration.

Background: Municipal Recruitment Corruption Case

The ED has been investigating an alleged municipal recruitment corruption case in West Bengal, in which both Sujit Bose and fellow state minister Rathin Ghosh have been named. The agency summoned Bose multiple times in recent weeks for questioning, but he repeatedly sought extensions, citing his election campaign obligations.

In January 2024 and October 2025, the ED conducted raids at Bose's office and residence, and also searched the premises of several of his close associates. Rathin Ghosh was questioned by the ED as early as October 2023, when a search was also carried out at his home.

Election Context and Political Stakes

Sujit Bose, a three-time Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA, is contesting the Assembly elections from the Bidhannagar constituency, seeking a fourth consecutive term. Rathin Ghosh is simultaneously contesting from the Madhyamgram constituency.

Both constituencies are scheduled to vote in the second phase on April 29. Political analysts suggest the timing of repeated ED summons during the campaign window has intensified tensions between the Trinamool Congress government and central investigative agencies.

Rathin Ghosh Also Under ED Scanner

The relief granted to Sujit Bose does not extend to Rathin Ghosh, who remains under the ED's scrutiny in the same municipal recruitment scam. Ghosh too has faced agency heat in the run-up to the polls, underscoring the broader scope of the ongoing federal investigation into alleged irregularities in civic body recruitments across West Bengal.

The case is part of a wider crackdown by central agencies on alleged corruption in Bengal's municipal and civic recruitment processes, which have drawn national attention over the past two years.

What Happens Next

With the Bidhannagar and Madhyamgram seats going to polls on April 29, all eyes will now be on whether Sujit Bose honours the court-mandated appearance before the ED on May 1. Any non-compliance could prompt fresh legal proceedings. The outcome of the elections may also influence the political and legal trajectory of this case significantly.