1 week ago
Calcutta High Court Questions Bank Freeze on Abhishek Banerjee
A bank stopped Abhishek Banerjee from using one of his accounts and cards.
Banerjee said the bank did not properly warn him or explain why.
The bank said it needed to complete extra checks called KYC.
KYC means checking a customer’s identity and address.
The bank also mentioned information connected to Enforcement Directorate cases.
The judge questioned why the bank’s messages only talked about KYC and did not mention those other issues.
The judge also asked why Banerjee had to visit the bank when KYC can sometimes be done online.
Bank officials agreed to visit his home to collect the needed papers.
The court will hear the case again on Monday.
The Calcutta High Court directed Abhishek Banerjee to submit documents for KYC updating.
A private bank froze his account and blocked his debit and credit cards.
Banerjee’s counsel said the action occurred without prior notice or a clear written explanation.
The bank cited incomplete KYC and additional due diligence, while also referring to ED-linked cases.
Bank officials will collect the documents at Banerjee’s residence, with the case listed again Monday.
- Who
- TMC MP and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, a private bank, and the Calcutta High Court.
- What
- The court directed Banerjee to provide KYC documents after the bank froze his account and blocked his cards.
- Where
- The dispute is before the Calcutta High Court; bank officials will collect documents from Banerjee’s residence.
- When
- The hearing took place on Thursday; the account and cards were reportedly blocked on August 10, and the next hearing is Monday.
- Why
- The bank cited incomplete KYC and additional due diligence, while also referring to information linked to Enforcement Directorate cases; Banerjee disputes the action and its explanation.
Banerjee’s Position
Bank’s Position
Reason for the freeze
Banerjee’s Position
Banerjee’s counsel said the account and cards were blocked without prior warning or a clear written explanation, and described the action as high-handed.
Bank’s Position
The bank said its central processing team acted because KYC had not been updated and additional due diligence was required.
Information given to the customer
Banerjee’s Position
Banerjee’s lawyer said the bank’s communication referred to KYC and temporary suspension but did not clearly explain any ED-related issue.
Bank’s Position
The bank referred in court to third-party information and said Banerjee’s name, PAN number, and mobile numbers were linked with cases initiated by Enforcement Directorate authorities.
KYC procedure
Banerjee’s Position
Banerjee’s side questioned the need to visit a branch, saying his KYC was reportedly due only in December 2026.
Bank’s Position
The bank initially requested original documents and later offered to send officials to Banerjee’s residence to complete the process.
Key facts
- Court
- Calcutta High Court
- Judge
- Justice Krishna Rao
- Petitioner
- Abhishek Banerjee
- Bank action
- The account was frozen and debit and credit cards were blocked.
- Bank’s stated reason
- Incomplete KYC and additional due diligence by the central processing team.
- Documents requested
- A completed form, photograph, and address proof.
- Next hearing
- Monday
Quotes
Justice Krishna Rao
Judge presiding over the case at the Calcutta High Court
“"Do you want to see Abhishek’s face?"”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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