Bar Council of India Seeks Mamata Banerjee’s Bar Enrolment Records After High Court Appearance in Post-Poll Violence Case
Kolkata: Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has come under fresh legal scrutiny after the Bar Council of India (BCI) sought details of her enrolment and legal practice status following her dramatic appearance before the Calcutta High Court in a case related to alleged post-poll violence in the state.
The move comes just days after the Trinamool Congress suffered a crushing defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, ending its 15-year rule and paving the way for the BJP’s rise to power in the state.
Our Hon’ble Chairperson Smt @MamataOfficial personally reached the Calcutta High Court today to argue in a matter concerning the widespread post-poll violence unleashed across Bengal by @BJP4Bengal.
Once again, she has shown what truly sets her apart –
She NEVER abandons the… pic.twitter.com/8OkszMxaYa
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) May 14, 2026
BCI Seeks Clarification on Mamata’s Legal Status
In a letter to the Bar Council of West Bengal, the BCI requested factual details regarding Banerjee’s enrolment as an advocate, her practice status, any suspension or cessation of practice during her tenure as Chief Minister between 2011 and 2026, and whether she formally resumed legal practice thereafter.
The council clarified that it was not expressing any opinion on the legality of her court appearance but was merely seeking verification of records. The West Bengal Bar Council has been asked to submit the information within two days.
Among the details sought are Banerjee’s enrolment number and date, confirmation of whether her name remains on the rolls of advocates, records of any declaration regarding suspension of practice during public office, and documents related to any Certificate of Practice issued in her name.
Bar Council of India has sought details of Mamata Banerjee’s enrolment and legal practice status from the WB Bar Council after her appearance in advocate robes at Calcutta High Court.
Records have been asked to be submitted within 2 days.
pic.twitter.com/J57W1Pw3tw— Sunny Raj (@SunnyRajBJP) May 14, 2026
Mamata Appears in Lawyer’s Robes Before High Court
Dressed in a black lawyer’s gown, Banerjee appeared before a division bench comprising Justices Sujoy Paul and Partha Sarathi Sen, marking her first appearance before the High Court as an advocate.
The case was filed by Shirshanya Bandopadhyay, son of senior TMC leader and advocate Kalyan Banerjee, alleging attacks on political workers and party offices following the declaration of Assembly election results on May 4.
Addressing the bench, Banerjee urged urgent judicial intervention and claimed that women, minorities, and children were among those affected by the violence.
“My regard to all the judges because this is my first time appearing in the High Court. As a lawyer I’m fighting this case,” she told the bench.
She alleged that several people had been killed in post-poll violence and submitted a list of ten victims before the court. Banerjee also claimed that displaced families, including Scheduled Caste households and elderly women, had been forced out of their homes amid widespread attacks and vandalism.
Serious Allegations Raised in Court
During her submissions, Banerjee accused the police of failing to act and alleged that FIRs were not being registered in several cases.
She further claimed that threats of sexual violence were being issued against young girls and alleged that attacks were occurring across communities. “Please protect the people of Bengal. This is not a bulldozer state,” she said while seeking immediate protection for residents.
Banerjee also questioned the response of law enforcement agencies, asking the court whether the police were “sleeping” while violence escalated across the state.
“Chor” Slogans Outside Court Premises
Tension escalated outside the court premises after a section of lawyers allegedly raised “chor, chor” slogans as Banerjee exited the building.
Speaking to reporters later, the former Chief Minister alleged that she had been assaulted during the commotion.
Kalyan Banerjee accused lawyers allegedly linked to the BJP of attempting to heckle and intimidate her during the court appearance.
Meanwhile, the TMC defended Banerjee’s decision to appear personally in court, saying it reflected her commitment to the people of Bengal and her willingness to stand beside victims of violence despite the party’s electoral defeat.
Under Indian law, advocates must be enrolled with a state Bar Council or the Bar Council of India to practise before courts. Banerjee holds degrees in Law, Education, and Islamic History.
