Kolkata, May 14, 2026 – In a dramatic and unconventional move that has ignited intense political debate, Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared before the Calcutta High Court dressed in a traditional black advocate’s gown. Banerjee, who arrived wearing the robe over her signature white saree, personally argued in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning alleged post-poll violence in the state.
The PIL, filed by advocate Shirshanya Bandopadhyay – son of TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee – accuses rival parties of orchestrating attacks on TMC workers, party offices, and properties following the recent West Bengal Assembly elections. The petition highlights incidents of violence, including claims of around 10 murders, and seeks urgent protection for affected individuals, particularly women and children.
Banerjee, who holds a law degree from 1982, made her submissions before a division bench of the Calcutta High Court. This marked her first such appearance in the High Court in the capacity of an advocate. During the hearing, she presented photographs and a list of alleged victims, asserting that “West Bengal is not a bulldozer state” and urging the court to intervene swiftly.
The visuals of the TMC leader in courtroom attire quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention. Supporters hailed the move as a demonstration of her legal expertise and solidarity with party workers facing alleged persecution. Critics, however, dismissed it as a political stunt aimed at regaining relevance after TMC’s electoral defeat to the BJP earlier this month, which ended the party’s long-standing hold on power in the state.
The courtroom atmosphere was charged, with reports of sloganeering by some lawyers and onlookers chanting “Pisi Chor, Bhaipo Chor” – a reference to Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee. The incident has further fueled the already polarized political discourse in West Bengal.
Adding to the controversy, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has sought details from the West Bengal State Bar Council regarding Banerjee’s enrollment as an advocate and her eligibility to practice in court, following media reports of her robed appearance.
This development comes amid heightened tensions in the aftermath of the Assembly polls, where allegations of violence have been exchanged between political factions – a recurring feature of Bengal’s intensely competitive politics. Banerjee’s direct involvement in the legal proceedings underscores the high stakes for the TMC as it navigates its new role in opposition.
The court’s response to the PIL and any further proceedings are being closely watched by political observers across the country.
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