Supreme Court upholds ED freeze on Trinamool Congress bank accounts

The Supreme Court of India has declined to interfere with the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) decision to freeze three bank accounts belonging to the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The ruling upholds a Calcutta High Court order that prevents the party from managing the accounts independently but allows for an interim arrangement to cover day-to-day operational expenses.

Under this arrangement, a court-appointed Special Officer will oversee the accounts to ensure the party can meet essential costs, such as staff salaries. The ED’s action is part of a money laundering investigation involving approximately 440 crore rupees. The probe reportedly examines fund transfers made between April 2023 and June 2026 related to the purchase of an aircraft and a helicopter.

The Supreme Court also disposed of a petition from rebel TMC leader Biswanath Das, noting that the High Court’s balanced approach ensures the party’s daily functions are not entirely halted while maintaining judicial oversight.