New Delhi, March 18 -- The Supreme Court has commenced hearing on the ED's (Enforcement Directorate) plea against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and state government officials for allegedly obstructing its search operation at the offices of the All India Trinamool Congress-linked political consultancy firm I-PAC.

Counsel appearing on behalf of the West Bengal government sought time to respond to the ED's rejoinder affidavit, submitting that it contains lengthy averments that go beyond the scope of the issue.

"We require some time to respond. It's not a rejoinder in the conventional sense," Senior Advocate Shyam Divan said.

The Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, appearing for the ED, opposed the request, submitting th...