SC refuses relief to Mamata-led TMC faction on operating frozen bank accounts

The Supreme Court of India declined to grant interim relief to the Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) in their challenge against the freezing of four bank accounts by the West Bengal Police. The court, in a bench led by Justices MM Sundresh and B Varale, decided not to take jurisdiction under Article 136 of the Constitution, citing that the main issue is still pending before the Calcutta High Court.

However, the court did request the High Court to expedite proceedings in the matter. The dispute centers around the four Indian Bank accounts frozen following a criminal investigation initiated by the West Bengal Police, sparked by a complaint filed by MLA Biswanath Das. The AITC faction, represented by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that the freezing of these accounts has significantly hampered the party's operations, citing their audited accounts which show a minimum monthly expenditure of Rs 12.15 crore for routine functions.

Singhvi also contended that the Calcutta High Court had mistakenly mixed the Indian Bank accounts with three HDFC Bank accounts, and that there was no judicial oversight when the accounts were frozen. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the State, opposed the plea and referred to the allegations under investigation, including a Rs 35 crore cash deposit linked to the party faction.

Mehta also highlighted the ongoing debate about which faction truly represents the Trinamool Congress. The court, while disposing of the plea, ordered the Calcutta High Court to expedite the hearing of the main case.