Abhijit Ray
In a significant development regarding the internal dispute within the All India Trinamool Congress,the Calcutta High Court has clarified the position on the operation of the party’s bank accounts.
The High Court has observed that the complete right to operate the bank accounts of the Trinamool Congress, which were earlier temporarily frozen,will remain vested with the original party led by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The Court’s order comes in the backdrop of an interim stay on the symbol matter by the Election Commission.
The bench observed that despite the interim order on the symbol,the financial authority and structural rights of the party remain intact with the original organization.
According to the order,the blueprint to block the party’s funds citing the fragile condition of the party has not been sustained under judicial scrutiny.
As per the direction of Justice Sougata Bhattacharjee, only the authorized representatives of the party led by Mamata Banerjee will be entitled to operate the bank accounts for necessary administrative expenses and disbursement of staff salaries as per the Court’s order.
The Court further observed that political rights cannot be claimed merely on the basis of paper claims over name or flag without a political base and public support.
The order has been described as a relief for party workers and supporters across the state.With the management of party funds becoming functional again, the party’s organizational and public service activities are expected to continue with renewed momentum.
The matter relating to the symbol remains subject to further orders of the Election Commission.
