By Admin 
ED Office Raid: Recently, Jharkhand Police raided the local office of the Enforcement Directorate in Ranchi. After this, constitutional and legal debate started immediately. This is because generally central investigating agencies work independently without any interference from the state police. ED immediately reached Jharkhand High Court. Jharkhand High Court put a stay on the police action. In the meantime, let us know whether the state police can legally raid a central agency like ED or not.
what happened in Ranchi
According to official information, Jharkhand Police had reached the ED office in Ranchi after an ED employee accused him of assault. The police have claimed that they were acting on a criminal complaint and had gone there to collect evidence. CCTV footage was also included in this. However, ED has termed this action as direct interference in its functioning.
Does the state police have any legal authority over ED
Legally, state police have the power to investigate cognizable criminal offenses within their jurisdiction. If a person complains against a central government official, the police can go to the spot to collect evidence. This means that purely technically the police can enter any premises if it is related to a criminal case.
where does the problem arise
Trouble arises when any police action interferes with the functioning of any central agency. Under Section 54 (f) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the state police is legally required to assist the ED in its investigation. Any action that obstructs or intimidates any central agency can be considered a violation of the federal structure of the Constitution.
Can the court stop police action in such cases
The Supreme Court and various High Courts have said that police investigation is legal. But if any investigation is threatening institutional independence, then the courts can intervene. In cases involving central agencies like ED, courts often stay police action so that there is no hindrance in the investigation under central laws like PMLA.
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