Supreme Court declines TMC bid to unfreeze accounts

The Supreme Court dismissed a petition filed by the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress faction to operate four debit-frozen bank accounts. Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale stated they were not inclined to interfere with the Calcutta High Court order that previously refused interim relief. The court noted that because the Election Commission has frozen the party symbol, the larger entitlement issue remains pending adjudication.

The Supreme Court declined to grant relief to the Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress in its challenge against the freezing of four Indian Bank accounts by the West Bengal Police. The bench refused to exercise Article 136 jurisdiction while noting that the main matter is pending in the High Court. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued the freeze hindered party operations, whereas Solicitor General Tushar Mehta countered that the case involved an ongoing criminal investigation and factional disputes.

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress to unfreeze four bank accounts holding approximately 804 crore rupees. The bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale declined to interfere with the Calcutta High Court order and requested the high court to expedite the hearing on the larger issue. The TMC argued the freeze paralyzed political activities, while the solicitor general noted an ongoing investigation into cash deposits and factional disputes.

The Supreme Court refused to provide a priority hearing for a former district judge who sought the expeditious disposal of his writ petition challenging his dismissal from service. The bench emphasized that the Constitution treats every person equally and does not permit preferential treatment based on a petitioner's former office. The court dismissed the petition and granted liberty to press the application before the Allahabad High Court.