Abhishek Banerjee Challenges High Court Travel Restrictions in Supreme Court Appeal
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee has petitioned India's top court after a local judge denied him permission to seek medical care abroad. The legal battle centers on his ability to travel for eye treatment amid an ongoing investigation into election-related rhetoric.
Legal Battle Over Medical Travel Reaches Apex Court
Trinamool Congress national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP, Abhishek Banerjee, has approached the Supreme Court to contest a recent Calcutta High Court ruling. The July 20 order by a single-judge bench blocked his request for international travel intended for specialized eye treatment. While the Supreme Court has received the plea, a specific hearing date has not been scheduled.
Conditional Protection and Judicial Oversight
This legal challenge emerges from an environment of ongoing scrutiny. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya previously extended Banerjee’s interim protection from coercive action until October 6, or until further notice. This protection stems from a First Information Report concerning statements the MP allegedly made against political rivals during a public meeting on April 27, amidst the West Bengal Assembly election cycle. Despite this relief, the court imposed strict conditions:
- Banerjee must cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
- International travel is prohibited without explicit judicial authorization.
- A request to modify these safety conditions is slated for review in August.
Domestic Care vs. Overseas Treatment
The High Court's refusal to grant travel clearance hinges on the availability of local medical resources during an active probe. Justice Bhattacharyya observed that Kolkata hosts several reputable eye clinics. The bench further suggested that Banerjee consult the head of ophthalmology at the state-run SSKM Hospital to determine if his condition could be managed within West Bengal. Banerjee continues to seek the quashing of the FIR while simultaneously fighting for the right to seek specialized care beyond Indian borders.
Source: The Hindu — National
