SC Refuses TMC Plea Against Frozen Accounts
The Supreme Court declines TMC's plea to unfreeze four bank accounts, directing the High Court to expedite the hearing on the cybercrime complaint.
The Supreme Court of India has declined a petition filed by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) seeking permission to operate four bank accounts that were frozen by the West Bengal Police. The accounts were frozen following a cybercrime complaint involving allegations of illegal financial transactions.
The Legal Battle Over Frozen Funds
A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale heard the fresh plea filed by the TMC faction. The core of the dispute stems from a complaint lodged by TMC MLA Biswanath Das, who alleged that funds obtained through dishonest financial dealings and illegal activities were being routed into specific party accounts.
Representing the TMC, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the party was not disputing the existence of the funds, but rather the inability to access them. Singhvi raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the police action, noting that while authorities mentioned money laundering and siphoning of funds, they had failed to provide a concrete basis for freezing the accounts.
“ECI doesn’t make anything on funds,” Singhvi stated, referring to the Election Commission of India's recent directive regarding the party's symbol, arguing that the commission had not made any determination regarding the party's finances.
Allegations of Large Cash Deposits
The Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, representing the West Bengal Police, strongly opposed the TMC's plea. He presented specific allegations regarding the party's financial conduct, including claims that one of the party's office-bearers, General Secretary Sumit Roy, had deposited ₹34 crore in cash into a party account.
The court heard further details regarding Sumit Roy, who had previously sought anticipatory bail. Roy was accused of allegedly using government land under private names and subsequently selling it. It was noted that Roy had previously failed to secure relief from the Supreme Court in his legal efforts.
Court Directs High Court to Expedite Hearing
In its observations, the Supreme Court noted that the broader question of who is entitled to manage these funds is intricately linked to the ongoing legal dispute regarding the TMC’s name and election symbol. The bench emphasized that making a definitive ruling at this stage could significantly impact those pending proceedings.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court declined to interfere with the ongoing High Court proceedings. The plea was disposed of, with the Court requesting the High Court to ensure an expeditious hearing to resolve the matter.