Mamata Banerjee appears in Calcutta HC to argue post-poll violence case

Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee appeared before the Calcutta High Court on Thursday (May 14) to argue in a case tied to allegations of post-poll violence and attacks on party offices across the state.

Courtroom appearance

Dressed in a lawyer’s gown, Banerjee arrived at the court alongside senior TMC leaders Chandrima Bhattacharya and Kalyan Banerjee, drawing immediate political and legal attention. Her appearance came in connection with a public interest litigation submitted by advocate Shirshanya Bandyopadhyay on behalf of the Trinamool Congress.

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The petition raises concerns over a series of alleged attacks targeting party workers and local offices after the declaration of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election results.

Allegations in petition

According to the filing, several TMC leaders and grassroots workers were reportedly assaulted in different districts, while others were forced to leave their homes out of fear. The petitioner argued that these incidents were directly linked to their political affiliation with the ruling party.

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The matter was formally filed before the Calcutta High Court on May 12 and was taken up by a division bench headed by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, alongside Justice Parthasarathi Sen.

TMC’s response

Reacting to Banerjee’s courtroom appearance, the Trinamool Congress posted on X, saying its chairperson had personally appeared to fight a legal battle over what the party described as widespread post-poll violence allegedly carried out by political opponents in Bengal.

The party praised Banerjee’s decision to argue the matter herself, portraying it as another example of her direct political engagement during moments of crisis.

Political messaging

In its statement, the TMC said she has repeatedly stood by the people of Bengal during difficult times, describing her as a leader committed to justice, constitutional values, and resistance against what it called divisive politics. The party also claimed her actions continue to distinguish her in national politics.

“She NEVER abandons the people of Bengal in their hour of need. She NEVER stops fighting for truth, justice, and constitutional values. And time and again, she rises above the politics of hatred with unmatched COMPASSION, COURAGE and CONVICTION,” stated the TMC.

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“Whether confronting the injustice of SIR or standing firm against the unruly conduct of @BJP4India, she continues to prove that there is truly NO LEADER LIKE HER in the country today,” it added.

Earlier, in February, Banerjee had appeared before the Supreme Court before the Supreme Court in relation to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

(With agency inputs)