Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee on Thursday appeared before the Calcutta High Court wearing lawyer’s robes in connection with a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning recent incidents of post-poll violence in the State.

Banerjee appeared before a Division Bench of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen in a matter filed by advocate Sirsanya Bandopadhyay, son of TMC leader and Senior Advocate Kalyan Banerjee.

The PIL pertains to violent incidents allegedly reported across several parts of West Bengal following the declaration of the State Assembly election results. According to the petition, incidents of arson, looting, vandalism and assault took place after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victories in various constituencies.

The plea alleged that workers and supporters of the Trinamool Congress, along with ordinary residents, were targeted during the violence. It further claimed that several families were displaced from their homes due to fear and insecurity prevailing in the affected areas.

During the hearing, Mamata Banerjee reportedly urged the Court to intervene and issue necessary directions to protect citizens from ongoing hooliganism and vandalism. She submitted that women, children and minorities were among those affected by the alleged attacks and stated that at least 10 TMC workers had lost their lives in the incidents.

The petition also referred to reports of nearly 60 shops being set on fire in Khejuri and placed details of several incidents along with video recordings before the Court. It alleged that local police and administrative authorities failed to register FIRs or provide adequate protection despite repeated complaints from victims.

According to the PIL, the alleged breakdown of law and order amounts to a violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India.

The petitioner has sought directions to the State and police authorities to take immediate measures to prevent further violence, register FIRs, provide protection and rehabilitation to affected persons and restore damaged properties.

The Calcutta High Court is also hearing another PIL raising similar concerns regarding post-poll violence in West Bengal.