Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has landed in fresh controversy after appearing before the Calcutta High Court to argue a case related to alleged post-election violence in the state. Her appearance in court not only triggered political reactions and protests but also prompted the Bar Council of India to seek official details regarding her legal practice status.
The Bar Council of India has reportedly written to the Bar Council of West Bengal asking for complete information about Mamata Banerjee’s enrolment as an advocate and her professional status during the years she served as Chief Minister from 2011 to 2026.
According to reports, the council wants clarification on whether Banerjee remained officially enrolled as a practicing advocate while holding constitutional office. The communication reportedly requested details such as her enrolment number, the date of registration, and whether her name still exists on the state bar council rolls.
The Bar Council also sought to know if Banerjee had ever informed the state council about suspending or discontinuing her legal practice during her tenure as Chief Minister. Officials additionally asked whether she later applied to resume practice and whether any certificate allowing her to actively practice law is currently valid.
The matter gained attention after Mamata Banerjee personally appeared before the Calcutta High Court to present arguments related to violence and attacks allegedly reported after the recent West Bengal election results. During the hearing, she appealed to the court to intervene and help restore peace across the state.
Banerjee reportedly argued that incidents of violence had targeted women and members of minority communities after the election results were announced earlier this month. She requested judicial action to prevent further unrest and ensure protection for affected citizens.
However, her court visit soon turned controversial. As she exited the court premises, some individuals allegedly shouted slogans calling her “chor,” meaning thief. Videos of the incident quickly spread across social media and intensified the political atmosphere surrounding the former Chief Minister.
Later, speaking to reporters outside the court, Mamata Banerjee claimed she had been mistreated and “assaulted” during the incident. Her supporters strongly condemned the protests and accused political opponents of trying to publicly humiliate her.
Senior Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee, who accompanied her to court, alleged that certain lawyers influenced by the BJP attempted to disrupt the proceedings and create chaos inside the court premises. The BJP, however, has not officially responded to those accusations.
The controversy has now shifted attention toward the legal and ethical aspects of elected leaders practicing law while holding constitutional positions. Legal experts say advocates are required to maintain active registration with state bar councils to legally appear in courts. Questions are now being raised about whether Banerjee fulfilled all required formalities during her long tenure in public office.
Mamata Banerjee holds degrees in education, law, and Islamic history, and has often highlighted her academic background in public life. However, the current scrutiny by the Bar Council of India has added another layer of political and legal debate at a time when the Trinamool Congress is already facing pressure following recent electoral setbacks.
The West Bengal Bar Council is expected to submit the requested information within two days, after which further clarity may emerge regarding Banerjee’s eligibility and status as a practicing advocate.
