Calcutta High Court Permits TMC to Access Frozen Bank Funds for Daily Operations

The Calcutta High Court has granted the Trinamool Congress (TMC) permission to utilize funds from three of its bank accounts that had previously been frozen by the West Bengal Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This decision, announced on Thursday, is a significant development for the party, allowing it to manage daily operations while under the oversight of a special officer, retired Justice Subrata Talukdar, until the end of September.

The freezing of the accounts occurred on June 19, following a complaint from rebel TMC MLA Biswanath Das, who alleged that party funds were being misappropriated. The TMC has been facing challenges regarding internal dissent, particularly after its defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections held last May. The ED justified the freezing of these accounts, which contain deposits amounting to Rs 440 crore, citing the Prevention of Money Laundering Act as the basis for its actions.

In response to the freezing, the TMC described the ED’s actions as “politically motivated,” asserting that the measures taken against them were a part of a broader strategy to undermine the party. During the court proceedings, Justice Saugata Bhattacharya remarked that there was insufficient evidence to justify the sudden decision to freeze the accounts soon after the first information report was registered.

The High Court specified that the TMC is allowed to access these funds solely for essential day-to-day operational expenses and legal costs. This ruling comes at a crucial time for the party, which is contending with both financial constraints and internal strife as it seeks to regain its footing in West Bengal politics.

The ongoing legal challenges and the scrutiny from federal agencies highlight the turbulent political landscape in West Bengal, where the TMC has faced increasing opposition. As the party navigates these challenges, the court’s decision to allow access to funds could provide temporary relief, enabling it to sustain its operations amidst ongoing investigations.

Source: scroll.in