Abhishek Banerjee Appeals to Supreme Court for Medical Travel Permission

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee has turned to the Supreme Court after the Calcutta High Court refused him permission to travel abroad for eye treatment. His petition challenges a recent ruling, while the High Court had previously extended his relief from punitive action until October. The court suggested he seek treatment at local hospitals instead. This situation raises questions about the accessibility of medical care and the legal implications of travel restrictions for public officials.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 30, 2026, 13:40 IST

Supreme Court Appeal by Abhishek Banerjee

New Delhi, July 30 - Abhishek Banerjee, a Member of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress, has approached the Supreme Court after the Calcutta High Court denied him permission to travel abroad for eye treatment. He filed a petition challenging the decision made by a single bench of the Calcutta High Court on July 20. However, the Supreme Court has yet to list the case for hearing.

The Calcutta High Court had previously extended the relief from punitive action against Banerjee until October 6, in connection with a case involving alleged threatening statements made during the West Bengal Assembly election campaign. Justice Sougata Bhattacharya granted him relief from punitive measures while instructing him to cooperate with the investigation and not to travel abroad without the court's permission.

Banerjee, who represents Diamond Harbour in the Lok Sabha, had filed a petition in the High Court seeking permission to travel abroad for his eye treatment. The High Court expressed reluctance to grant his request, noting that there are several renowned eye hospitals in Kolkata. Justice Bhattacharya remarked that the MP should consult the head of the ophthalmology department at the government-run SSKM Hospital, who would determine whether his eye condition could be treated there.