Calcutta High Court to Hear Trinamool Congress Bank Account Dispute

A pivotal hearing is scheduled at the Calcutta High Court regarding the Trinamool Congress's challenge against the freezing of its bank accounts by the West Bengal Police. The party, led by Mamata Banerjee, argues that there is no evidence of illegal transactions. The court's decision could significantly impact the party's financial operations as they seek access to funds for essential expenses. This case follows a recent Supreme Court ruling concerning similar issues, highlighting ongoing tensions within the political landscape of West Bengal.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 12, 2026, 12:13 IST

Hearing Scheduled on Bank Account Freezing

File image of Bengal ex-CM Mamta Banerjee(Photo: @Aash_prajapati/X)

Kolkata, Aug 12: A significant hearing is set to take place on Wednesday before a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court regarding a petition filed by the faction of Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee. This petition contests the West Bengal Police's decision to freeze four of the party's bank accounts.

The police's action to freeze these accounts at the Indian Bank was based on a First Information Report (FIR) linked to cybercrime allegations. However, the Banerjee faction asserts in its petition that there is no proof of any unlawful transactions associated with these accounts.

The case will be heard by Justice Sougata Bhattacharya later today. The petitioners' legal representatives have requested permission to access the frozen accounts for necessary party expenses.

Furthermore, the petitioner's counsel indicated that if the court permits access through a specially appointed officer, similar to a previous arrangement for three other accounts at a private bank, it would facilitate the party's financial operations.

In a related development, the Supreme Court on Tuesday chose not to intervene in the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) decision to freeze three Trinamool Congress accounts amid an ongoing money laundering investigation. However, it did allow for an interim arrangement enabling the party to manage its daily expenses under the oversight of a court-appointed Special Officer.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale, also dismissed a separate petition from rebel Trinamool Congress leader Biswanath Das, who argued that he represented the "real party" in the matter.

Justice Sundresh remarked that the High Court's ruling was a "balanced" solution, ensuring the party's daily functions could continue while maintaining judicial oversight of the accounts.