TMC Challenges ED's Freeze on Bank Accounts in Kolkata High Court

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has approached the Kolkata High Court following the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) directive to freeze several party and bank accounts. A hearing on this matter is anticipated on Monday. This development comes after another bench of the High Court granted interim relief until September, allowing limited transactions from three bank accounts under the supervision of a retired justice appointed as a special officer. While the political party claims this is an act of political vendetta and harassment, the central agency asserts it is investigating a money trail. Additionally, enforcement officials have taken action at the residences of a prominent party leader in connection with a fake signature campaign.

A faction of the party stated that it had applied to the Kolkata police for permission to hold a rally in Dharmatala, following traditional practices. However, in the absence of a clear response from the police headquarters at Lalbazar, the party decided to pursue legal avenues to secure approval for the event. Tensions escalated earlier this week when TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh, Baishwanar Chattopadhyay, and Dola Sen were seen measuring space in front of Victoria House to set up a stage without formal approval. This action faced severe criticism in the assembly, with the opposition questioning the leaders' conduct and asserting that public roads cannot be arbitrarily occupied or measured in a manner that disrupts traffic.

The situation became more complicated when the police issued a strict order under Section 163 of the 'Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita' (BNSS). This order prohibits all forms of public gatherings in a significant area of central Kolkata for 60 days, from July 2 to August 30. Police officials have indicated that the likelihood of granting permission for a rally in Dharmatala during this period is low.