Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee has received protection from coercive action in three FIRs registered against him at Bhabanipur Police Station in Kolkata and Kalitala and Bishnupur police stations in South 24 Parganas.
The Calcutta High Court has extended the protection until November 30. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya observed that there was no need to take Banerjee into custody for interrogation in these cases.
Investigation cooperation remains mandatory for MP
Although the three FIRs are covered by the court’s protection, Banerjee has been directed to cooperate with the investigation.b The court said that if the investigating agency summons him, he will have to appear. He must, however, be informed at least 48 hours before the scheduled appearance.
If Banerjee fails to cooperate with the investigation, the state can approach the court, the bench said.
Court restricts overseas travel without permission
The High Court also directed that Banerjee cannot travel abroad without the court’s permission. The judge noted that the Supreme Court had permitted Banerjee to travel overseas for eye treatment on August 10. However, he has not travelled abroad so far.
Supreme Court medical travel permission remains unaffected
The High Court clarified that its direction would not affect the Supreme Court’s permission allowing Banerjee to travel abroad for medical treatment. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for November 23.
Banerjee now protected in eight FIRs
Following Monday’s order, Banerjee has now secured protection in eight of the 16 FIRs registered against him.
The Diamond Harbour MP had approached the court challenging the FIRs filed against him over various allegations. The cases were registered after the Trinamool Congress government lost power in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
