Calcutta High Court questions bank over Abhishek Banerjee's frozen accounts

The Calcutta High Court has questioned a private bank regarding its decision to freeze the bank accounts and block the credit cards of Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee. During the hearing, the bank initially claimed the restrictions were imposed for Know Your Customer (KYC) updating purposes. However, the court expressed skepticism, noting that the current KYC term is not due to expire until December and questioning why physical presence was required when updates can be completed online.

During the proceedings, the bank’s counsel suggested that Banerjee’s details were linked to cases initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Justice Krishna Rao questioned whether the bank was attempting to change its stance, noting that the bank had not cited any pending ED cases in its previous communications to the MP.

To resolve the immediate KYC issue, the court directed Banerjee to submit the necessary documentation. The bank agreed that Banerjee would not need to visit a branch, stating instead that officials would visit his residence to collect the required forms, photographs, and address proofs.