Former West Bengal Chief Minister dons black gown and white bands to argue post-poll violence PIL
Kolkata, May 14, 2026 | In a dramatic courtroom moment that has sparked a fresh legal and political row, former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee appeared before the Calcutta High Court on Thursday (May 14, 2026) dressed in full advocate’s attire a black lawyer’s coat/jacket and white collar bands over her signature white saree with blue border.
Banerjee personally argued a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning alleged post-poll violence in the state following the recently concluded Assembly elections. The PIL, filed by advocate Sirsanya Banerjee (son of senior TMC leader and MP Kalyan Banerjee), alleges attacks on TMC workers, party offices, and properties. Appearing before a division bench of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, Banerjee presented photographs and a list of incidents, urging the court to protect citizens and stating that “Bengal is not a bulldozer state.”
The appearance quickly drew nationwide attention not just for its political symbolism, but for raising questions over her eligibility to practise as an advocate. Hours after the hearing, the Bar Council of India (BCI) swung into action. In an official letter dated May 14, 2026, addressed to the Secretary of the Bar Council of West Bengal, BCI Principal Secretary Srimanto Sen sought a comprehensive factual report on Banerjee’s enrolment and practice status.
The BCI letter states:
“Mamata Banerjee served as Chief Minister of West Bengal from 2011 to 2026. Having regard to the constitutional public office held by her during the said period and without expressing any opinion at this stage on the permissibility or otherwise of such appearance, the Bar Council of India requires the factual status of her enrolment, practice, suspension, if any, and resumption, if any, to be verified from your records.”
The state bar council has been directed to submit the details within two days (by May 16, 2026), including:
- Her enrolment number and date
- Current status on the State Roll of Advocates
- Details of any voluntary suspension, cessation, or resumption of practice
- Status of Certificate of Practice (CoP)
- Certified copies of all relevant records.
Legal experts point out that under the Advocates Act, 1961, and BCI Rules, a person holding a full-time constitutional post like a Chief Minister is generally barred from active legal practice. Banerjee, who holds an LLB degree from 1982 and was enrolled decades ago, has not been actively practising for years.
A minor social-media debate also emerged over the exact style of her gown, with some users claiming it resembled the distinct cut reserved for designated Senior Advocates (which features shoulder flaps/gathers). However, photographs and video footage confirm she wore the standard black advocate’s jacket with white bands, the regular dress code for enrolled advocates, and she is not a designated Senior Advocate.
The development comes amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal after the 2026 Assembly polls, which saw a change in power dynamics. TMC leaders have praised Banerjee’s decision to personally fight for party workers, while opposition voices have called the move political theatre.
The West Bengal Bar Council is now expected to compile and submit the records. The BCI has clarified that it is not prejudging the issue but is only verifying facts, having regard to the constitutional public office held by her.
The Case, Bench and Court Proceedings
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed on May 12, 2026, by advocate Shirshanya Bandyopadhyay, son of senior TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee. It alleges widespread post-poll violence, including murders, arson, vandalism of party offices, and attacks on TMC workers, women, and minority communities following the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election results declared on May 4.
The matter was heard by a division bench of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen.
During the hearing, Mamata Banerjee made detailed oral submissions, presented photographs and a list of alleged incidents (claiming 10 murders in post-poll violence), and stated:
“My humble submission is to please protect the people of the state. Save the people of the state. This is not a bulldozer state. This is West Bengal.”
She also highlighted alleged police inaction during the incidents. Senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee, appearing for the petitioner, supported the plea and criticised justice by bulldozer.
The bench heard extensive arguments from Banerjee (in person), the petitioner’s counsel, and the state government. No immediate order was passed. The court reserved its verdict and is expected to pronounce directions or orders in the coming days.
