Kolkata, August 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Calcutta High Court on Thursday rebuked bank authorities over debit restrictions imposed on the accounts of Trinamool Congress general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee, questioning the grounds cited for the action.
A single-judge bench of Justice Krishna Rao will hear the matter again in the second half of Thursday, when the bank authorities are expected to explain their decision to restrict debit transactions on Banerjee’s accounts.
Banerjee had approached the High Court earlier this week, alleging that the restrictions were imposed ahead of his proposed visit to the US for ophthalmic treatment. The trip had been cleared by the Supreme Court earlier this month.
His counsel also alleged that two of Banerjee’s credit cards had been blocked without prior notice.
During Thursday’s hearing, the bank authorities initially told the court that the debit restrictions were imposed to facilitate Know Your Customer (KYC) updation.
Banerjee’s counsel, Ayan Bhattacharya, argued that the explanation was not convincing, pointing out that the existing KYC was due to remain valid until December. He also submitted that the restrictions and blocking of the credit cards were imposed without prior intimation.
Justice Rao questioned why Banerjee needed to appear physically at the bank when KYC formalities could be completed online.
The bank’s counsel subsequently cited internal issues as the reason Banerjee had been asked to appear personally. The explanation did not satisfy the court, with Justice Rao observing that imposing debit restrictions without prior notice was not acceptable.
The bank later offered another explanation, stating that Banerjee’s name, phone number and other documents were linked to a case registered by the Enforcement Directorate and that KYC updation was therefore required. The bank counsel said some details could not be disclosed in open court.
Justice Rao expressed displeasure at the change in the bank’s explanation and directed its counsel not to alter the stated reason for the KYC requirement.
The court will take up the matter again later on Thursday and has asked the bank authorities to clarify their position on the debit restrictions.
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