SC Refuses Relief to TMC Over Frozen Bank Accounts, Upholds Calcutta HC Order

August 11, 2026

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to interfere with the Calcutta High Court’s order concerning three bank accounts of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) frozen by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as part of a money laundering investigation.

A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and P B Varale said it was satisfied that the High Court had passed a “balanced” order after examining the records.

The Supreme Court disposed of the petitions challenging the High Court’s interim arrangement, while allowing the TMC to raise its objections before the designated special officer.

SC Declines to Interfere With Calcutta HC Order

The case concerns three TMC bank accounts that were frozen by the ED in connection with its money laundering probe.

The Calcutta High Court had earlier declined to grant the party interim permission to freely operate the accounts. The Supreme Court, after considering the matter, refused to overturn the High Court’s arrangement.

The apex court observed that the interim mechanism put in place by the High Court adequately protected the interests of the parties. It also noted that the main proceedings remain pending before the Calcutta High Court and that a detailed examination by the Supreme Court at this stage could affect those proceedings.

TMC Can Raise Objections Before Special Officer

While refusing immediate relief, the Supreme Court provided the TMC an avenue to contest the freezing of its accounts by allowing it to raise objections before the special officer.

The proceedings relate to funds held in three TMC accounts, which were frozen by the ED during its investigation. Reports have put the combined amount in the accounts at around Rs 440 crore.

The High Court had earlier appointed a retired judge as a special officer in connection with the arrangement governing the accounts.

The TMC’s legal challenge followed the ED’s action and the subsequent Calcutta High Court proceedings over access to the frozen funds.

ED Money Laundering Probe

The bank-account freeze forms part of an ED money laundering investigation involving alleged financial transactions. The TMC has challenged restrictions on the use of its funds, while the investigation and related proceedings remain ongoing.

The Supreme Court’s latest order does not finally determine the underlying allegations or conclude the ED investigation. Instead, it leaves the main proceedings before the Calcutta High Court while declining to interfere with the interim arrangement already put in place.

The latest development is a setback for the TMC’s attempt to secure broader access to its frozen funds, although the party can continue to pursue its objections through the mechanism provided by the court.