The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday extended interim protection from arrest to Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee until August 31, according to a recent ruling. The court also set August 25 as the deadline for delivering its final decision on Banerjee's petition seeking the quashing of three FIRs filed against him. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya, presiding over the case, granted the extension of protection, which was initially issued on July 30 and valid until August 17. The new order allows the protection to remain in effect until August 31 or until further instructions, whichever comes first. Banerjee faces three FIRs registered in different locations, Bhowanipare on May 27, Kalitala on June 16, and Bishnupur on June 16. His legal team requested copies of all the FIRs registered against him, and the court directed the police to provide them. The state submitted information indicating that a total of 16 FIRs are currently pending against Banerjee across various police stations in the state, involving multiple allegations. This number includes the three under consideration and others related to different charges. During the hearing, the complainant's counsel, Jayanta Narayan Chatterjee, argued that Banerjee holds significant influence and that granting him interim protection would hinder the investigation. He warned that without immediate custody, witnesses might face intimidation and fail to testify. Chatterjee also sought police protection for his client, asserting that Banerjee's protection could lead to his client's harm. However, Justice Bhattacharyya questioned the validity of these claims, noting that the political landscape in West Bengal has shifted following the change in government. The judge highlighted that the situation has evolved significantly since the previous administration. He pointed out that the demolition of Banerjee's party office in Amtala occurred despite his status as an MP, suggesting that the current circumstances differ from past ones. The court emphasized that the demolition was halted due to a high court intervention, underscoring that such actions are not typical of the current political environment. Furthermore, the judge raised questions about the timing of the demolition, which took place on a Friday, necessitating weekend court sessions. In addition to the ongoing FIRs, the court addressed the issue of custodial interrogation. It ruled that such procedures are unnecessary for cases registered against Banerjee after May 4, when the BJP government assumed power. The judge noted that the political scenario has changed, and therefore, the need for immediate coercive measures is not justified. This stance aligns with the broader context of the political transition in the state. The state's response included clarification that the property in question, where Banerjee's MP office was located, belonged to Leaps and Bounds, a company associated with him. The court acknowledged this detail while emphasizing that the change in political leadership has impacted the overall dynamics of the situation. The judge also referenced a similar case involving former opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, where 13 FIRs were quashed by the high court, drawing parallels to the current case. As the court prepares to deliver its final verdict on Banerjee's petition, the legal battle continues to unfold amid shifting political tides. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both the individual and the broader political landscape in West Bengal.
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