Mamata Banerjee appears in Calcutta HC in lawyer’s robe; argues TMC post-poll violence case

Former CM represents party before Chief Justice Sujoy Paul’s bench; highlights attacks on workers following 2026 Assembly results.

In a move that caught the legal fraternity and political observers by surprise, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee arrived at the Calcutta High Court on Thursday afternoon dressed in a lawyer’s black gown. The former Chief Minister appeared before a Division Bench led by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Parthasarathi Sen to personally argue a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding alleged widespread violence against her party workers following the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

Unexpected appearance in courtroom

The sight of the TMC supremo in formal legal attire created a stir within the court premises. While Banerjee holds an LL.B. degree from Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College, her appearance as an arguing counsel is rare. Accompanied by senior advocate and party colleague Kalyan Banerjee, she walked into the Chief Justice's courtroom around noon.

The move is being seen as a high-stakes political statement following the recent election results, where the BJP secured a significant victory in the state.

Allegations of systemic violence

The PIL, filed by advocate Shirshanya Bandyopadhyay, alleges that TMC supporters and local leaders have been subjected to systematic attacks across several districts. During the proceedings, Banerjee informed the bench that the situation on the ground was one of "extreme distress."

"Our offices are being vandalized, and workers are being forced to flee their homes in many areas," she submitted before the court. She further alleged that women and children have not been spared in the unrest and claimed that at least 10 party workers had lost their lives in various incidents since the results were declared.

Chaos outside court premises

The legal drama was not limited to the courtroom. As Banerjee was exiting the High Court building following the hearing, she was met with "thief" slogans from a section of lawyers present on the premises. The situation briefly turned chaotic as TMC legal cell members and security personnel struggled to escort her to her vehicle.

Kalyan Banerjee later addressed the media, condemning the heckling. "The court is a place for legal arguments, not for public branding or political slogans. If a former Chief Minister can face such conduct inside the temple of justice, one can only imagine the plight of ordinary workers in remote villages," he said.

Context of the PIL

The petition highlights specific incidents in South 24 Parganas, Howrah, and parts of North Bengal. It seeks the court’s intervention to provide immediate protection to displaced workers and a directive to the state police to act against "hooliganism" that is allegedly occurring in plain sight.

The TMC has also linked this unrest to the "Special Intensive Revision" (SIR) of electoral rolls, an issue they previously challenged in the Supreme Court. The party maintains that the deletion of over 90 lakh names from the voter list had a direct bearing on the election outcome.

Judicial observation and next steps

Chief Justice Sujoy Paul’s bench took note of the submissions and the gravity of the allegations. While the court did not pass an immediate interim order, it has asked the state administration to file a status report on the law and order situation by early next week.

The matter is expected to be heard again on Tuesday. For now, the images of Mamata Banerjee in a lawyer’s robe have dominated the political discourse in Bengal, signaling that the TMC is prepared to take its fight from the streets to the highest corridors of the judiciary.

Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant to Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead late Wednesday night on National Highway 12 near Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district. Police said the attackers had been tracking his movements for at least a week before intercepting his vehicle and firing at close range.

The incident occurred around 11:30 pm when Rath was travelling in a Scorpio towards Siliguri. Near the Doharia area on Jessore Road, bike-borne assailants surrounded the vehicle and opened fire. The driver and two others were also injured.

Eight to fifteen rounds

Initial reports suggested four rounds were fired. But police later revised the count to 8-10 rounds. Hospital sources, however, told reporters that post-mortem examination suggested up to 15-16 bullet injuries. A three-member medical team led by Dr Kallol Ray has been constituted for the autopsy.

Rath sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and head. He was declared brought dead at a nearby hospital.

Movement tracked for a week

Police analysis of CCTV footage from key roads revealed the attackers had monitored Rath’s daily routine meticulously — the routes he took, the vehicle he used, and even the seat he occupied inside the car.

“The assailants knew exactly when and where to intercept him,” an official familiar with the probe said.

Kolkata Police have so far collected footage from eight CCTV cameras. State DGP Siddhinath Gupta is personally reviewing the visuals. A Special Investigation Team is being formed.

Political fallout

BJP workers staged a blockade on NH-12 overnight, demanding an encounter of the attackers. Party spokesperson Keya Ghosh appealed for calm but alleged that back-office BJP workers were being deliberately targeted. “The BJP envisions a government of change, not revenge,” she said.

BJP leader Rakesh Singh went further, demanding the arrest of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party leader Abhishek Banerjee. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata later today.

TMC demands court-monitored CBI probe

In an unexpected move, the Trinamool Congress condemned the killing and demanded a CBI inquiry under court supervision. “We demand strict action. The killing of other BJP and TMC workers should also be investigated,” the party said in a statement.

Mother alleges political motive

Hasirani Rath, the victim’s mother, demanded life imprisonment for the killers. “I do not want them hanged, I want life imprisonment,” she said, alleging her son was targeted for political reasons linked to Adhikari’s electoral victory over Banerjee.

Separate shooting same night

About an hour after Rath’s killing, a BJP worker named Rohit Roy was shot and critically injured in Basirhat district. Over the last two days, at least five political workers — two from the BJP and three from the TMC — have reportedly been killed in the state.

A special session of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly has been called for May 25.