The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday extended protection against coercive police action to Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Abhishek Banerjee until November 30 in three criminal cases, ruling that custodial interrogation is unnecessary.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya directed the Diamond Harbour lawmaker to co-operate with investigators and respond to notices issued in connection with the probes. Under the court order, law enforcement authorities must grant Banerjee at least 48 hours of advance notice before summoning him for questioning.
Investigation Progress And Court Directives
The court directed police to present a progress report on the three investigations on November 23, when the proceedings are scheduled to resume. Justice Bhattacharyya noted that police authorities retain the right to approach the court to alter or cancel the protective order if Banerjee fails to co-operate with the investigation.
Foreign Travel Restrictions And Supreme Court Relief
Although the high court stipulated that Banerjee cannot travel abroad without its explicit permission, the judge clarified that this restriction does not override the foreign travel allowance previously granted by the Supreme Court on August 10. The apex court had permitted Banerjee to travel overseas for three weeks to receive medical treatment.
During the hearing, Banerjee’s legal counsel informed the court that the MP has not yet traveled abroad because he is waiting for a medical appointment and because a private bank froze his personal account along with his debit and credit cards.
The state’s counsel submitted that the Supreme Court’s direction applied strictly to the petition before the apex court. A prayer by the additional advocate general seeking a stay on the high court’s order was rejected by the bench.
Background Of The Cases
The proceedings relate to three First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against Banerjee at the Bhowanipore, Bishnupur, and Kalitala police stations. The high court had earlier granted the TMC leader interim relief from coercive measures in these matters on June 30.
