The Calcutta High Court has refused permission to Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for medical treatment. The leader had sought court approval to leave the country on July 29 for specialized eye treatment. Refusing the plea, the single-judge bench of Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya directed him to first consult doctors at the state-run SSKM Hospital in Kolkata instead.

Key Highlights of the Court Proceedings

During the hearing, Justice Bhattacharyya questioned whether the leader had explored medical options locally, asking “Have you ever been to SSKM Hospital? Get examined here first to see what local specialists advise. If a designated medical board concludes that overseas travel is medically necessary, the court will have no issue.”

Justice Bhattacharyya emphasized that permission to go abroad can only be granted if the required treatment is unavailable locally, adding that a medical board should evaluate whether his condition warrants traveling such long distances.

Defense Arguments and Legal Protection

Legal representatives appearing for Banerjee advocates Ayan Bhattacharya and Sabyasachi Banerjee argued that their client had consistently cooperated with ongoing investigations, including providing voice samples. They urged the court to grant travel permission for his medical care and extend his interim protection.

While denying the travel request on the grounds that the investigation remains ongoing, the High Court extended Banerjee’s interim protection from coercive action until October 6, ahead of the Durga Puja festival. The court is scheduled to hear the matter next in August.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share