Calcutta HC denies Abhishek Banerjee permission to travel abroad for eye treatment, seeks medical board review

The Calcutta High Court on Monday refused to allow Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for eye treatment. The request was made during the hearing of a hate speech case linked to the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections.

A single-judge bench led by Justice Sougata Bhattacharya rejected the plea for immediate foreign travel. Instead, the court directed Banerjee to first undergo a medical examination in Kolkata before any decision on overseas treatment is taken.

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Judge suggests examination at S.S.K.M. Hospital

During the hearing, Banerjee’s lawyer informed the court that the TMC leader wanted to travel abroad for ophthalmic treatment. However, Justice Bhattacharya asked whether he had consulted any eye specialist before seeking permission.

In response, Banerjee’s counsel said that the MP had been receiving ophthalmic treatment in the United States for the past ten years. Despite this submission, the court decided that a fresh medical opinion from a government hospital in West Bengal was necessary.

Justice Bhattacharya instructed that experts from the ophthalmology department of S.S.K.M. Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata should examine Banerjee’s condition. The judge also ordered the head of the department to form a medical board for this purpose.

Medical report to decide future course

The High Court made it clear that no decision on foreign travel would be taken until the medical board submits its report.

Justice Bhattacharya said the court would review the findings of the medical board before deciding whether overseas treatment is necessary. The matter has now been scheduled for its next hearing in August.

State opposes foreign travel

The plea for foreign travel was strongly opposed by the West Bengal government.

Additional Advocate General Rajdeep Majumdar argued that allowing Banerjee to leave the country at this stage could affect ongoing legal proceedings. He pointed out that several important cases involving the TMC leader, including the hate speech case, are still pending.

According to Majumdar, Banerjee’s absence from the country could create difficulties in the investigation process.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court decided that a medical assessment within the state should come before any permission for international travel.

Interim protection from arrest continues

Although the Calcutta High Court rejected the travel request, it granted relief to Banerjee in the ongoing hate speech case.

Justice Bhattacharya extended the interim protection that prevents police from taking coercive action against him, including arrest. This protection will now remain in force until October.

The case relates to allegations that Banerjee made violence-inciting remarks and threatened Union Home Minister Amit Shah during an election campaign rally ahead of the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly polls.

Court directs cooperation with investigation

While extending the protection from arrest, the High Court also reminded Banerjee of his legal responsibilities.

Justice Bhattacharya directed him to fully cooperate with the police during the investigation. Court also instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to complete its probe into the alleged hate speech case as quickly as possible.