Mamata Banerjee Appears in Court Amid Election Violence Allegations
Mamata Banerjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, made a notable appearance in the Calcutta High Court to address allegations of post-election violence against TMC workers. Accompanied by senior party leaders, she faced a tumultuous scene outside the court as tensions escalated. The Bar Council of India has also requested information regarding her legal status following her court appearance. This incident raises significant questions about the safety of TMC members in the wake of the recent elections. Read on to discover more about the unfolding events and their implications.
| May 14, 2026, 18:26 IST
Mamata Banerjee's Court Appearance
On Thursday, Mamata Banerjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal and leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), appeared in the Calcutta High Court dressed in a lawyer's gown to argue a case related to alleged post-election violence in the state. She was accompanied by senior TMC leaders Chandrima Bhattacharya and Kalyan Banerjee. This case pertains to a public interest petition filed by advocate Shirishanya Bandyopadhyay on behalf of the TMC, which claims that attacks occurred on party offices following the announcement of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election results, and many TMC workers faced violence.
Allegations of Attacks on TMC Workers
The petition alleges that numerous party leaders and workers were reportedly attacked due to their affiliation with the Trinamool Congress. It also claims that several workers were forced to leave their homes after the elections. This petition was submitted to the Calcutta High Court on May 12 and was brought before a bench led by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Parthasarathi Sen for hearing.
Chaos Outside the Court Premises
After the hearing concluded, reports emerged of tension within the court premises. As Mamata Banerjee exited the High Court, a group of lawyers allegedly shouted "thief" at her. The situation became chaotic for a brief period as TMC leaders and lawyers attempted to escort her safely out of the premises. In response to this incident, Kalyan Banerjee accused lawyers affiliated with the BJP of trying to harass the former Chief Minister. He further stated that if such treatment could be meted out to a former Chief Minister, ordinary TMC workers across Bengal would likely face even greater hostility.
BCI Requests Information on Mamata Banerjee's Legal Status
Meanwhile, following reports of her appearance as a lawyer in the Calcutta High Court, the Bar Council of India has written to the West Bengal Bar Council requesting records related to Mamata Banerjee's enrollment and status in legal practice. The Bar Council of India has sought information regarding her enrollment as a lawyer, any suspension or resumption of practice, and her practice certificate. The state bar council has been asked to provide these records within two days.