Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared at the Calcutta High Court on Thursday wearing a lawyer’s robe to argue a post-poll violence case [1, 2].
The appearance marks a rare instance of a high-ranking political leader returning to legal attire to directly address allegations of violence following an election. It highlights the escalating legal tension between the state's political leadership and the judiciary over police conduct.
Banerjee arrived at the court in Kolkata to present arguments against allegations of post-poll violence [1, 2]. During the proceedings, she said the police were inactive and sought protection for victims [3, 5]. The former chief minister said that West Bengal is not a "bulldozer state" [1].
Following the appearance, the Bar Council of India sought a report from the West Bengal Bar Council regarding the current status of Banerjee's law practice [3]. This inquiry follows the public attention generated by her decision to swap her traditional saree for the legal robes of the court [4].
The case centers on the aftermath of polling, where various parties have alleged systemic violence and intimidation. Banerjee's decision to personally argue the case suggests a strategic move to challenge the narrative of state-sponsored violence by positioning herself as a legal advocate for the victims [3, 5].
Legal observers noted the unusual nature of the appearance, as former heads of state typically employ legal counsel rather than appearing in robes themselves [4]. The proceedings have drawn significant attention to the Calcutta High Court, as the legal battle over post-poll violence continues to shape the political landscape of West Bengal [2, 3].
“Mamata Banerjee appeared at the Calcutta High Court wearing a lawyer’s robe”
Banerjee's decision to appear in legal robes is a symbolic reclamation of her professional identity as a lawyer to challenge the legitimacy of post-poll violence allegations. By personally arguing the case, she attempts to shift the focus from her role as a political leader to that of a legal practitioner, while simultaneously putting the police on the defensive regarding their inaction.
