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The Calcutta High Court has directed that no coercive action be taken against Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee in three FIRs registered against him, holding that his custodial interrogation was not required at this stage.

Justice Saugata Bhattacharya protected Banerjee from coercive action till November 30, or until further orders, while directing him to cooperate with the investigation.

The Court further directed that Banerjee be given at least 48 hours' notice before he is called for interrogation.

The matter has been listed on November 23, when the police have been directed to place a progress report on the investigation before the Court.

The Court also clarified that Banerjee would not be required to approach the Court separately in respect of each FIR.

It observed that requiring him to challenge every FIR individually would result in multiplicity of litigation, particularly when the causes of action in the FIRs were similar.

Accordingly, the protection against coercive action has been extended in respect of the three FIRs.

While granting the interim protection, the Court held that there was no requirement for Banerjee's custodial interrogation in connection with the investigation.

At the same time, the Court directed the TMC MP to cooperate with the investigating agency and remain available for interrogation in accordance with the directions issued by the Court.

The Court stipulated that the investigating agency must provide 48 hours' notice before requiring his presence for interrogation.

The Court also clarified that Banerjee would remain free to travel abroad in accordance with the permission already granted to him by the Supreme Court and subject to compliance with the directions contained therein.

The matter will next come up on November 23, when the investigating agency is expected to submit its progress report.

Case: Abhishek Banerjee v State Of West Bengal

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