The Calcutta High Court on Thursday granted interim relief to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) by allowing the party to operate three bank accounts that had been frozen following a police investigation into alleged fund misuse.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharya appointed retired judge Justice Subrata Talukdar as a special officer to oversee the operation of the accounts until September 30. Under the court’s directions, the funds can be used only for the party’s day-to-day functioning and legal expenses.
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‘Money to be used only for day-to-day expenses’
“The money in the account shall be used only for the day-to-day expenses needed for the running of the party and for legal expenses,” the Court said, per a report by Bar and Bench. It further clarified, “No other expenditure, major or minor, shall be permitted by special officer.”
The interim arrangement came after rebel TMC MLA Biswanath Das argued that unrestricted access to the accounts could result in tampering with evidence.
Taking note of the concerns raised by both sides, the Court observed, “Taking note of the concerns expressed by the rival parties (petitioner and R4/ complainant), Court finds it apt to appoint a special officer to facilitate operation of aforesaid three bank accounts.”
Court questions speed of police action
The three accounts were frozen by Bidhannagar Police after Das lodged a complaint alleging diversion of party funds. TMC has termed the allegations baseless and argued that the freeze had disrupted its routine functioning.
The Court also questioned the manner in which the police acted after receiving the complaint. The order noted, “FIR was drawn up at 18:00 hours on June 18, and hurriedly on the next day on June 19, those three accounts were debit frozen.”
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It further recorded, “At this stage, court is unable to find particular materials which could have been basis of taking such abrupt steps.”
During the hearing, the judge orally remarked, “Why such a lightening speed everything happened? When a poor citizen comes to a police station, the police is not activated. But when a complaint is lodged on evening 6PM with respect to three accounts, next day freeze occurs.”
The Court also observed that Das had not raised these allegations before the Assembly election results and said, “Why the complainant did not raise the issue before May 4 (day of election results). It is nothing but sheer opportunism.”
The matter will be heard next on September 21.
FAQs:
Why were TMC’s bank accounts frozen?
The accounts were frozen after a complaint by rebel MLA Biswanath Das alleging fund misuse.
What did the Calcutta High Court allow?
The Court allowed TMC to operate the frozen accounts for daily expenses and legal costs under a special officer’s supervision.
