Calcutta High Court Denies Abhishek Banerjee's Request for Foreign Medical Travel
Court's Decision on Medical Travel
On Monday, the Calcutta High Court rejected the request of Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for eye treatment. However, the court granted him interim protection from strict police action related to his election speech until September 30. Justice Sougata Bhattacharya's bench ordered an examination at the government-run SSKM Medical College and Hospital. The court stated that it would consider the travel request only if the medical board at SSKM Hospital determines that treatment in Kolkata is not feasible.
The next hearing for this case is scheduled for next month. Banerjee's lawyers informed the court that he has been traveling to the United States for treatment over the past decade and should be allowed to continue his travels.
Concerns Over Ongoing Investigations
Additional Advocate General Rajdeep Majumdar expressed concerns that Banerjee's absence from India could impact ongoing investigations, including one related to allegations of inflammatory remarks made during campaign speeches ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. A case was filed against Banerjee on May 15 under the Indian Penal Code and the Representation of the People Act concerning his campaign speeches. Among the charges, two are non-bailable.
On June 16, the Criminal Investigation Department interrogated Banerjee for approximately six and a half hours.
Court's Warning on Voice Sample Submission
On July 10, Justice Bhattacharya reprimanded Banerjee for failing to provide his voice sample despite receiving two notices in the election speech case. The court had granted relief from police action until July 31 on the condition that Banerjee cooperates with investigators. Following a hearing on Banerjee's petition seeking exemption from voice sample recording, the court instructed him to submit his voice sample by July 15. After the court's stern remarks, Banerjee's lawyer, Ayan Bhattacharya, withdrew the petition.