In a dramatic political and legal moment after the West Bengal Assembly elections, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared at the Calcutta High Court on Thursday dressed in a lawyer’s robes to participate in a hearing related to alleged post-poll violence in the state. Her sudden arrival at the court complex drew massive attention, underscoring her continued direct involvement in key political and constitutional battles even after the electoral setback.
Mamata reached the High Court premises shortly before 11 AM wearing the traditional black advocate’s gown. According to legal sources, she appeared before the bench to argue in connection with a public interest litigation concerning incidents of violence reported from different parts of West Bengal following the Assembly election results.
The matter is scheduled to be heard before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Parthasarathi Sen. The petition was reportedly filed by advocate Shirshanya Banerjee, son of Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, seeking judicial intervention over allegations of post-election unrest and law-and-order concerns in the state.
The appearance of the former Chief Minister inside the High Court premises immediately became a major political talking point, with lawyers, litigants and political observers gathering around the court complex as news of her arrival spread.
This is not the first time Mamata Banerjee has personally appeared before a constitutional court in recent months. Prior to the elections, she had also attended proceedings in the Supreme Court related to the special intensive revision of voter lists in West Bengal. During that hearing, she had reportedly presented arguments before the bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant.
Her decision to appear once again in court reflects the Trinamool Congress leadership’s attempt to remain politically and legally engaged following the BJP’s sweeping victory in the Assembly polls.
The recently concluded election dramatically altered Bengal’s political landscape. The BJP secured a massive mandate by winning 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly, while the Trinamool Congress was reduced to 80 seats. However, polling and counting took place in 293 constituencies after fresh elections were announced in Falta.
Apart from the BJP and Trinamool Congress, the Congress won two seats, the CPI(M) secured one seat, the Indian Secular Front (ISF) won one seat and the Amjanata Unnayan Party (AJUP) emerged victorious in two constituencies.
Meanwhile, allegations of political clashes and violence after the declaration of results have intensified political tensions across the state. The High Court hearing is expected to closely examine the nature of the complaints and the response of the administration in dealing with the situation.
Mamata Banerjee’s appearance as an advocate in such a politically sensitive matter has added another layer of drama to Bengal’s already charged post-election atmosphere, with both legal and political circles closely watching the proceedings.
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