Abhishek Banerjee claims 25 associates summoned; alleges harassment by STF, CID

Calcutta High Court once again denied a request for an urgent hearing of a petition filed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who sought permission to travel abroad for medical treatment. The court rejected the plea on June 29, 2026, marking the second time it had turned down the request. The petition aimed to relax an earlier order issued on May 22, 2026, which barred Banerjee from leaving the country due to a pending criminal case. The order came after a complaint was filed against him by Rajib Sarkar, alleging that Banerjee made derogatory remarks about Union Home Minister Amit Shah during an election rally.

Banerjee had previously approached the court for anticipatory bail in the case, but the court instead directed him to cooperate with the investigating agency and refrain from traveling abroad. His current application sought a seven-day trip for specialized treatment of an eye injury sustained in a 2016 road accident. Despite the urgency of his health condition, the court emphasized that the treatment could be managed within the country and dismissed the need for an immediate hearing, citing the large number of ongoing legal cases against him.

The denial of the urgent hearing comes amid allegations of political harassment against Banerjee. In a social media post, he claimed that around 25 individuals linked to his office or associated with him had been subjected to intimidation and harassment by the West Bengal Police's Special Task Force (STF) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID). He alleged that these actions were politically motivated and violated legal safeguards. According to Banerjee, these individuals were summoned without prior notice and faced threats, pressure, and even surveillance, including tapping of phones and harassment of family members, including women.

Banerjee criticized the state government, pointing out that the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, had been implicated in bribery allegations and faced multiple Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) cases. He argued that the government was using state agencies to target him personally. His comments follow a statement by TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, who highlighted a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) addressed to the Calcutta High Court regarding the protection of the dignity and fundamental rights of accused persons. The court had ruled that the dignity of accused individuals is an integral part of India's constitutional framework and ordered the state government to issue guidelines to prevent public humiliation and other abuses by police forces.

The PIL was prompted by recent incidents where accused persons were reportedly paraded publicly and opposition figures were attacked with eggs. Kalyan Banerjee used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of protecting the rights of those under investigation, suggesting that the court's ruling could serve as a benchmark for future actions by law enforcement. Meanwhile, Banerjee's accusations of political interference and harassment continue to draw attention, with some observers noting the growing tension between the ruling party and its senior leaders.

As the situation unfolds, the legal battle surrounding Banerjee's travel permit remains unresolved, with the court maintaining its stance that the treatment can be handled domestically. The broader implications of the case extend beyond personal health concerns, raising questions about the use of legal mechanisms to curtail political dissent. With the court's decision reaffirming its position, the focus shifts to whether Banerjee will pursue alternative avenues to secure the necessary medical care, potentially leading to further legal challenges or public outcry. The outcome of this case may influence how similar petitions are treated in the future, particularly concerning the balance between individual rights and the administration of justice.