Calcutta High Court Grants TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee Protection from Coercive Action in Multiple FIRs

In a significant legal development, the Calcutta High Court has granted Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Abhishek Banerjee protection from coercive measures regarding three first information reports (FIRs) filed against him. The ruling was delivered by Justice Saugata Bhattacharya on Tuesday, allowing Banerjee to avoid immediate interrogation by law enforcement authorities.

The court’s decision ensures that no coercive action will be taken against Banerjee until November 30, unless further orders are issued. Justice Bhattacharya emphasized that the MP should be given at least 48 hours’ notice prior to any interrogation, although he also urged Banerjee to cooperate with police investigations and remain accessible for questioning.

The FIRs in question were lodged at various police stations in West Bengal: the first at Bhabanipur on May 27, followed by another at Kalitala on June 1, and the final one at Bishnupur on June 16. Banerjee argued that these cases stemmed from “unreasonable complaints” filed against him since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed power in West Bengal, marking a significant political shift after they defeated the TMC in the recent Assembly elections.

During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the state, opposed Banerjee’s request to consolidate relief for multiple FIRs into a single petition, claiming that such a move was legally untenable. However, the court disagreed, stating that requiring separate petitions for each case would only result in unnecessary litigation, thereby streamlining the legal process.

This ruling comes at a critical time for both Banerjee and the TMC, as the political landscape in West Bengal continues to evolve following the BJP’s electoral victory. The TMC, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has faced increasing scrutiny and challenges from the opposition party, raising questions about political motivations behind the FIRs filed against prominent party leaders. As the situation unfolds, the court’s decision provides a temporary reprieve for Abhishek Banerjee, allowing him to navigate the challenges posed by these allegations.

Source: scroll.in