Abhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Protection In 3 More FIRs From Calcutta HC
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday granted interim protection from coercive police action, including arrest, to Trinamool Congress General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee in three more FIRs.
With the latest order, Banerjee now has interim protection in 11 of the 16 FIRs registered against him at different police stations across West Bengal.
Protection In Force Till November 30
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya of the Calcutta High Court granted protection in three cases. One FIR was registered at Bhabanipur Police Station under Kolkata Police, while the other two were filed at Kalitala and Bishnupur police stations under the Diamond Harbour Police District in South 24 Parganas.
The interim protection will remain in force until November 30.
The court also directed Banerjee to cooperate with investigators in all three cases.
Court Says Custodial Interrogation Not Required
Justice Bhattacharyya observed that there was no need for custodial interrogation of Banerjee in connection with these three FIRs.
However, the court said he must appear before the investigating agency whenever summoned. Investigators will have to give him at least 48 hours’ notice before requiring his appearance.
If Banerjee fails to cooperate with the investigation, the state government can bring the matter to the court’s attention, the order said.
The next hearing has been scheduled for November 23.
Court Allows Supreme Court-Approved Foreign Travel
The High Court also directed that copies of all FIRs registered against Banerjee so far be provided to his counsel.
The court further said Banerjee cannot travel abroad without its permission. However, the order will not prevent him from travelling overseas for eye treatment, as the Supreme Court has already granted him permission for such travel.
The interim protection granted by the Calcutta High Court applies to the three FIRs considered in Tuesday’s order and does not amount to a final decision on the allegations against Banerjee.
