The Calcutta High Court on Thursday permitted the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to operate three of its bank accounts that were frozen in June, subject to strict conditions, including oversight by a retired High Court judge. The court ruled that the accounts could be used only for the party’s day-to-day administrative and legal expenses until further orders. The order was passed by the single bench of Justice Saugata Bhattacharya, who appointed retired Calcutta High Court judge Subrata Talukdar as a special officer to supervise the operation of the accounts until September 30.

According to lawyers present during the hearing, the special officer will oversee all withdrawals to ensure compliance with the court's directions. The court directed that no funds could be withdrawn without the signature of the special officer. It further specified that the accounts could only be used to meet routine operational expenses and legal expenditures incurred by the Trinamool Congress. The judge made it clear that no other payments, whether major or minor, would be permitted without authorisation under the court's framework.

Justice Bhattacharya also ordered that the special officer be paid a monthly honorarium of ₹1.25 lakh from the party's funds for carrying out the supervisory role. The arrangement will remain in force until September 30 unless modified by a subsequent court order. The three bank accounts were frozen on June 19 following directions issued by the West Bengal Police. The action came less than 24 hours after Biswanath Das, an MLA associated with a rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress led by Ritabrata Banerjee, lodged a complaint with the Bidhannagar Police alleging diversion of party funds.

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The freezing of the accounts had restricted the ruling party's access to funds required for routine organisational activities, prompting the TMC to approach the High Court seeking relief. During the proceedings, the party argued that continued freezing of the accounts was affecting its day-to-day functioning and legal obligations. While granting limited relief, the High Court balanced the interests of the ongoing investigation with the party's operational requirements by imposing financial safeguards. The appointment of an independent special officer ensures that every withdrawal from the accounts is monitored and restricted to approved purposes.

The allegations of fund diversion remain under investigation, and the High Court's order does not address the merits of the complaint. Instead, it provides an interim arrangement allowing limited access to the frozen accounts while preserving oversight until the matter is examined further. The case is expected to come up for further hearings as the investigation progresses. The court's latest order enables the Trinamool Congress to continue its essential activities under judicial supervision while the allegations that led to the freezing of the accounts are investigated by the authorities.

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