Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee (TMC) appeared in lawyer's robes at the Calcutta High Court on Thursday.
The appearance marks a rare instance of the party supremo personally arguing a legal matter in court. By donning the attire of a legal professional, Banerjee sought to directly address a public interest litigation (PIL) involving allegations of post-poll violence, and attacks on Trinamool Congress party offices [1, 3].
Banerjee appeared before the court to raise specific questions regarding the proceedings of the PIL [1, 3]. She used the platform to demand protection for TMC workers, citing attacks by rival parties following the 2026 Assembly election results [1].
Following her appearance, the Bar Council of India sought further details from the West Bengal Bar Council regarding the practice status of the former chief minister [2]. The inquiry aims to clarify her current standing, and eligibility to practice law in the court.
The case centers on the volatile period following the recent elections, where both sides have traded accusations of intimidation and physical assault [1, 3]. Banerjee's decision to represent her interests and those of her party members in legal attire underscores the high stakes of the ongoing litigation [1, 2].
The court is currently reviewing the demands for increased security, and the validity of the claims made within the PIL [3, 4].
“Mamata Banerjee appeared in lawyer's robes at the Calcutta High Court on Thursday.”
This move by Banerjee is a strategic shift from typical political representation, signaling a desire to personally control the narrative in a high-profile legal battle. The Bar Council's subsequent inquiry suggests that her appearance may have triggered a regulatory review of her legal credentials, potentially creating a secondary legal conflict regarding her right to practice.
