The West Bengal government has set up a judicial commission to investigate financial irregularities spanning the 2011‑2026 Trinamool Congress tenure. Led by retired Justice Biswajit Basu, the panel will examine alleged corruption across multiple departments and recommend FIR filings where warranted.

Key Takeaways

  • West Bengal establishes a judicial commission to probe 15 years of alleged corruption under Trinamool rule.
  • Retired Calcutta High Court Justice Biswajit Basu will head the panel.
  • The commission will scrutinize departments such as Education, Food Supply, Disaster Management, Municipal Affairs, Panchayats, Housing, Fisheries, Industry, Land and Public Works.

In a decisive move that signals a fresh anti‑corruption drive, the West Bengal government announced the formation of a judicial commission tasked with investigating institutional corruption and financial irregularities that occurred from 2011 to May 2026 under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration. The decision, approved by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari during a cabinet meeting on May 18, follows the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ascent to power after the recent assembly elections.

Composition and Mandate of the Panel

According to a notification issued by the Home and Hill Affairs Department, the commission will be chaired by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Biswajit Basu. It will also include a senior IPS officer, an IAS or West Bengal Civil Service officer, and a West Bengal Revenue Service officer, ensuring a blend of judicial and administrative expertise. The panel’s mandate covers a wide spectrum of departments, including Education, Food & Supplies, Relief & Disaster Management, Municipal Affairs, Panchayats, Housing, Fisheries, Industry, Land, and Public Works.

Key Allegations Under Scrutiny

The commission is instructed to investigate large‑scale bribery, corruption in the distribution of Cyclone Amphan relief, misappropriation of funds under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, as well as irregularities in the Mid‑day Meal Scheme. These allegations point to systemic financial misconduct that has eroded public trust over the past decade and a half.

Political Context and Potential Impact

Since the BJP formed the state government, hundreds of TMC leaders—including legislators, former ministers, and councilors—have been arrested on corruption and extortion charges. The creation of this independent judicial commission is presented as a transparent mechanism to address public concerns and to demonstrate the new administration’s zero‑tolerance stance on corruption. If the panel recommends filing FIRs, it could reshape the political landscape ahead of future elections and set a precedent for accountability in state governance.

Authority and Expected Outcomes

The commission is empowered not only to submit periodic reports but also to recommend the attachment of properties and recovery of misappropriated funds when there is reasonable belief of illicit acquisition. Experts argue that the effectiveness of the panel will hinge on the swift implementation of its recommendations, which could significantly enhance administrative transparency and deter future malfeasance.