An unprecedented scene unfolded on Thursday morning at the Calcutta High Court, as former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a rare courtroom appearance dressed in traditional black legal robes. Arriving at around 10:15 am, her presence in advocate’s attire drew widespread attention, marking a sharp departure from conventional political appearances.

As Banerjee exited the court premises, the situation outside quickly turned chaotic. Police personnel struggled to control the crowd and clear a passage for her vehicle. Slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” and “Chor, Chor” were raised by sections of the crowd, intensifying the already charged atmosphere and creating a brief law-and-order challenge.

This is not Banerjee’s first appearance before a court in recent months. Earlier this year, she had presented arguments before the Supreme Court of India regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bengal. On that occasion, she appeared as an ordinary citizen and not in legal attire. Following her recent electoral defeat, Thursday’s appearance marked her first in court dressed as a lawyer.

PIL on post-poll violence

Banerjee presented her arguments before a bench headed by Chief Justice Sujay Pal in connection with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning alleged post-poll violence across the state.

The petition was filed by Shirshanya Banerjee, son of Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, who had contested and lost from the Uttarpara Assembly constituency. The PIL alleges widespread attacks on party offices and physical assaults on Trinamool Congress workers across multiple districts following the elections.

Banerjee appeared in court specifically to argue in support of the petition, while Kalyan Banerjee was also present during the proceedings.

Banerjee’s allegations in Court

In her submission, Banerjee stated that she had enrolled with the Bar Council in 1985 and sought permission to present arguments. She alleged that families belonging to Scheduled Castes, along with members of various religious communities, had been targeted.

“Newlywed couples and their families have been driven out of their homes… People are being attacked daily, and normal life has been completely disrupted. So far, 10 people have been killed in this post-poll violence,” she said.

She further claimed that threats had been issued even at her residence and that law and order had deteriorated significantly. “Homes and offices are being looted. We have photographic evidence. This is not a ‘Bulldozer State’; it is a state of rich culture. Please provide us with protection,” she urged the court.

Centre and police question claims

Responding to the petition, Additional Solicitor General Ashok Chakraborty argued that such claims must be backed by concrete evidence.

“Proper research is essential before filing a petition of this nature. It must be substantiated with specific instances,” he said.

Counsel representing the police, Dheeraj Trivedi, also questioned the allegations, stating that they require thorough verification.

“The police must ascertain whether these incidents are directly linked to post-poll violence. Investigations are ongoing, and the police are not idle,” he said. Referring to an incident at Hogg Market, he added that nine individuals had already been arrested and an FIR registered.

The matter remains under judicial consideration, with the High Court examining competing claims regarding law and order in the aftermath of the elections. The proceedings are expected to continue as the court evaluates the evidence presented by both sides.

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