Calcutta High Court Denies TMC Access to Frozen Accounts in Money Laundering Probe
The Calcutta High Court on Monday refused an interim request by the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to operate three bank accounts that have been frozen by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as part of a money laundering investigation.
The TMC had challenged the ED's action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) concerning the accounts, which are alleged to contain approximately Rs 440 crore. The party sought interim relief to access the accounts pending a final decision.
Justice Rao, presiding over the single bench, stated, “Interim prayer is refused. Respondents to file affidavit in three weeks and a reply in two weeks.” The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for August 26.
The frozen accounts are linked to an ED probe into alleged financial irregularities involving the TMC. The court's decision means the party cannot use these funds until further legal proceedings determine the matter.
