Calcutta High Court Declines Urgent Plea on Frozen TMC Accounts
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday refused an urgent hearing on a petition filed by the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) challenging the freezing of three of its bank accounts. The accounts, which collectively hold approximately Rs 440 crore, have had their debit operations suspended.
The court's decision comes amid an ongoing internal feud within the TMC, with rival factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee claiming control over the party's finances. The frozen accounts are believed to be linked to the party's central funds.
Details of the Freeze
The freeze was imposed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with an investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of teachers in West Bengal government-sponsored schools. The ED has alleged that a portion of the proceeds from the scam was funneled into TMC's accounts.
According to sources, the three accounts were opened in the name of the party and were being operated by the Mamata Banerjee faction. The total amount frozen is around Rs 440 crore, which includes funds collected through donations and other sources.
Legal Battle Intensifies
The TMC faction led by Mamata Banerjee moved the Calcutta High Court seeking immediate restoration of the accounts, arguing that the freeze was hampering the party's day-to-day operations and affecting its ability to contest elections. However, the court declined to grant an urgent hearing, stating that the matter would be taken up in due course.
“The court has said that it will hear the matter after the summer vacation. This is a setback for us, but we will continue to fight legally,” said a senior TMC leader, requesting anonymity.
Political Ramifications
The freezing of accounts has significant political implications, especially with the upcoming assembly elections in several states. The TMC, which is already facing a split, now has to contend with a financial crunch. The party has denied any wrongdoing and accused the central government of using investigative agencies to target political opponents.
“This is a clear case of political vendetta. The BJP-led government is misusing the ED to cripple opposition parties,” said TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh.
Next Steps
The TMC faction is expected to file a fresh application seeking an early hearing. Meanwhile, the ED is likely to submit its findings in the case, which could lead to further action. The Calcutta High Court will take up the matter after the summer vacation, which ends in July.
