Calcutta High Court Denies Abhishek Banerjee's Request for Medical Travel

The Calcutta High Court has turned down Abhishek Banerjee's request to travel abroad for eye treatment, insisting on his attendance at SSKM Hospital for a medical evaluation. The court highlighted the importance of determining whether his condition requires overseas treatment or can be managed domestically. Banerjee's legal team argued for his right to choose his medical care, while the state government raised concerns about ongoing criminal cases against him. This ruling underscores the intersection of health and legal obligations for public figures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 5, 2026, 13:28 IST

Court Rejects Medical Travel Petition

On August 5, the Calcutta High Court dismissed the petition filed by Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee, who sought permission to travel abroad for eye treatment. Previously, the court had advised Banerjee to appear before the medical board at the state-run SSKM Hospital on August 6 for a medical opinion. However, the TMC leader informed the court that he was unwilling to meet with the medical board.

Following this, the court rejected his request to travel abroad. The judges emphasized that Banerjee's presence at SSKM Hospital was crucial for assessing his health and determining whether treatment abroad was necessary or if it could be managed within India. The court stated that the primary concern at this time is the treatment of the petitioner.

The location of treatment is not the main issue. Earlier, in a criminal case, the High Court had granted interim protection, stating that Banerjee could not leave India without court permission. Challenging this order, he approached the Supreme Court.

On August 3, the Supreme Court instructed the High Court to make a prompt decision regarding Banerjee's request for permission to travel abroad. The state government's additional advocate general, Rajdeep Majumdar, opposed Banerjee's petition, arguing that there are several pending criminal cases against him and that there is no urgent medical condition necessitating treatment abroad. He also noted that investigations are ongoing in multiple FIRs against Banerjee, making his presence in the country essential.

Senior advocate Rebecca John, representing Banerjee, argued that the choice of medical professionals and institutions for treatment is a fundamental right of every individual, especially when continuity of care is at stake.