The Calcutta High Court on Thursday granted interim protection from coercive action to senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee in connection with an FIR registered over controversial remarks he made during an election rally last month. While providing relief to the MP until July 31, the court sharply questioned the appropriateness of his statements, pointing to the state’s volatile political climate.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya, while presiding over the matter, directed the Diamond Harbour MP to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation and comply with all notices issued by the investigating officer. However, the court placed a strict condition on Banerjee, ordering him not to travel abroad without seeking prior permission from the court.
The case is scheduled for its next hearing on July 20.
Court Raises Alarm Over Post-Poll Violence
The legal battle stems from an April 27 public rally held in the run-up to the second phase of the West Bengal assembly elections. During the event, Banerjee reportedly made sharp remarks targeting the leaders and workers of a rival political party. Seeking to have the resulting FIR thrown out, the TMC national general secretary moved the high court for its quashing.
During the hearing, Justice Bhattacharyya expressed strong reservations about the rhetoric used by the influential leader, questioning whether such “irresponsible statements” are fitting for someone holding the position of an all-India general secretary of a ruling party and a Member of Parliament.
Highlighting the gravity of political rhetoric in the region, the judge remarked on the potential consequences of inflammatory speeches.
“This state has a very dark history of post-poll violence,” Justice Bhattacharyya observed, openly wondering what the fallout would have been had the TMC won the election following such remarks.
State Opposes Plea but Assures Due Process
Appearing on behalf of the West Bengal government, Additional Advocate General Rajdeep Majumder opposed Banerjee’s petition to quash the FIR. However, Majumder assured the bench that the state’s investigation would strictly adhere to the due process of law.
While Banerjee has secured temporary immunity from arrest or harsh police action for the next two months, the high court’s stern observations and travel restrictions underscore the growing judicial scrutiny over political campaigning speeches in the state.
