New Delhi, October 1: The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to interfere with the freezing of four bank accounts of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) by the West Bengal Police in connection with a cybercrime complaint and directed the High Court to hear the matter expeditiously.
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A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale was hearing a fresh plea filed by the TMC faction challenging the freezing of its bank accounts.
The complaint was filed by TMC MLA Biswanath Das, alleging that funds linked to illegal activities and alleged dishonest financial transactions had been routed through certain accounts.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the TMC, questioned the basis for the police action. He submitted that the party was not disputing the existence of funds but was unable to operate the accounts because of the freezing order.
Singhvi also argued that the Election Commission of India (ECI) had not made any determination regarding the party's funds in its recent proceedings concerning the party's name and election symbol. He further submitted that although the police had referred to money laundering and siphoning of funds, the specific basis for freezing the accounts had not been disclosed.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the West Bengal Police, opposed the plea and referred to allegations concerning TMC office-bearer and General Secretary Sumit Roy. He submitted that Roy had deposited around ₹34 crore in cash into the party account.
The Solicitor General also referred to proceedings involving Roy, who had sought anticipatory bail in a case relating to alleged use of government land in private names and its subsequent sale.
The Supreme Court observed that the larger issue concerning the authority to operate the funds was connected with the ongoing dispute relating to the TMC's name and election symbol.
The bench said that making any finding at this stage could have a significant impact on the pending proceedings. It therefore declined to interfere with the High Court proceedings and disposed of the plea, while requesting the High Court to take up the matter for an expeditious hearing.
