The Calcutta High Court has granted the Trinamool Congress (TMC) conditional permission to operate three of its frozen bank accounts and appointed a Special Officer to supervise their functioning. Under the court's order, the party may use the accounts only for routine administrative purposes and legal expenses. Any other payment will require prior approval from the Special Officer.
The three bank accounts were frozen on the instructions of the West Bengal Police following a complaint filed by rebel TMC MLA Biswanath Das, who alleged misuse of party funds. While the investigation is continuing, the party approached the High Court seeking permission to operate the accounts, stating that the freeze had affected its routine administrative functions and legal obligations.
After hearing the matter, the Calcutta High Court appointed retired Justice Subrata Talukdar as the Special Officer until September 30. The court directed that the accounts would remain under his supervision and that withdrawals would be permitted only for specified purposes.
The court said the party could use the accounts for day-to-day administrative operations, essential employee-related payments and expenses connected with legal proceedings. It further directed that any other expenditure would require prior approval from the Special Officer.
In its order, the High Court stated that the funds available in the accounts could be used only for limited and legitimate purposes. It also clarified that no additional payment, whether major or minor, would be permitted without the Special Officer's approval.
During the hearing, the state government objected to the use of the party's bank accounts for payment of lawyers' fees and other legal expenses. The High Court did not accept the objection and held that the party could use the accounts to meet necessary expenses in pending legal matters.
The court observed that every organisation should have an opportunity to pursue legal representation in judicial proceedings and found it appropriate to permit legal expenditure from the accounts.
The High Court also noted concerns raised by the complainant regarding the possibility of tampering with evidence. Consequently, instead of restoring complete control of the accounts to the party, the court directed that they remain under the supervision of the Special Officer.
The court said the interim arrangement was intended to maintain a balance between the interests of both parties, ensuring that the investigation is not affected while allowing the party's regular functioning to continue.
The Special Officer will supervise the operation of the bank accounts until September 30. During this period, all payments must comply with the conditions laid down by the court. Further directions may be issued based on the progress of the investigation and subsequent judicial proceedings.
