Calcutta High Court Unfreezes TMC Bank Accounts

The Calcutta High Court has granted the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) permission to operate its three frozen bank accounts under the supervision of a court-appointed special officer. This decision provides relief to the party amid an internal dispute over its control.

The court's order, passed by Justice Saugata Bhattacharya, allows the party to use the accounts for day-to-day expenses and legal costs. Former Calcutta High Court judge Justice Subrata Talukdar has been appointed as the special officer to oversee the accounts until September 30, 2026.

The accounts were frozen by the Bidhannagar Police following a complaint by rebel TMC MLA Biswanath Das, who alleged fund misuse. However, the court observed that the complaint lacked details of any specific incident or transaction and appeared to be 'omnibus in nature'.

The court questioned the speed of the police action, noting that such promptness is rarely seen when ordinary citizens approach police stations. The court also stated that it was unable to find sufficient material to justify the freezing of the accounts within a day of the registration of the FIR.

Under the court's order, any two authorised signatories of the three bank accounts can present cheques before Justice Talukdar whenever money is required for approved expenses. The special officer will countersign the cheques before they are presented to the bank for encashment.

The court has clarified that the money can only be used for the daily functioning of the party and legal expenses. No major expenditure will be allowed without approval from the special officer. The court has also directed that Justice Talukdar be paid an honorarium of Rs 1.25 lakh per month, which TMC can fund from the bank accounts.

The police investigation into the complaint will continue, and the banks have been directed to preserve all account records and provide them to the investigating agency whenever required. TMC had argued that freezing the accounts had severely affected the functioning of a recognised political party and had challenged the police action.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for TMC, argued that the action affected the party's constitutional rights and disturbed the level playing field in a democracy. The court's decision is seen as a significant relief for the party, allowing it to continue its daily operations and legal proceedings.

The TMC is a major political party in West Bengal, and the freezing of its bank accounts had raised concerns about its ability to function effectively. The court's order ensures that the party can continue to operate, albeit under supervision, until the investigation is completed.

The case highlights the importance of the judiciary in ensuring that the rights of political parties are protected and that the rule of law is upheld. The court's decision is a significant development in the ongoing internal dispute within the TMC and is likely to have implications for the party's future operations.

In conclusion, the Calcutta High Court's decision to unfreeze the TMC's bank accounts under the supervision of a special officer is a significant development in the ongoing case. The decision provides relief to the party and ensures that it can continue to operate, albeit under supervision, until the investigation is completed. The case highlights the importance of the judiciary in protecting the rights of political parties and upholding the rule of law.