The Supreme Court on October 1 declined to unfreeze four bank accounts of the Trinamool Congress, dealing a setback to the party ahead of the festive season.

A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale refused to interfere with the freezing of the Indian Bank accounts. The accounts are linked to a complaint by Biswanath Das alleging financial irregularities involving Rs 12.15 crore a month.

The court asked the Calcutta High Court to decide the matter quickly. The TMC had approached the top court seeking urgent relief, arguing the freeze was hampering its functioning.

The Enforcement Directorate’s probe into the party’s finances has been a political flashpoint in West Bengal. The TMC has called the action politically motivated, while the BJP says the law must take its course.

The case will now return to the Calcutta High Court for an expedited hearing. Legal experts said the Supreme Court’s refusal to grant interim relief means the freeze will continue until the high court decides the case.