Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday made an unusual appearance at the Calcutta High Court, dressed in a lawyer’s black robe, to argue in a public interest litigation (PIL).
The PIL relates to TMC’s complaint that its workers and party offices were attacked after the recent West Bengal Assembly elections, which were held in two phases on April 23 and April 29.
Arguing before a bench comprising Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Parthasarathi Sen, Banerjee said post-election violence had affected people across sections, including women and children. She claimed that more than 10 TMC workers were killed and alleged that the police failed to act, urging the court to intervene immediately to protect people.
Banerjee completed her law studies in 1982 and had earlier appeared in court for a few cases during her time in the Congress. Her return to court after about three decades has drawn attention in political circles.
Meanwhile, the Bar Council of India has sought an explanation regarding her appearance in lawyer’s attire, asking the West Bengal Bar Council to provide details on whether her advocate licence was renewed during her tenure as Chief Minister and whether it remains valid.
