Calcutta High Court Extends Interim Protection To Abhishek Banerjee In DJ Remark Case, Declines Urgent Plea To Fly Abroad For Eye Treatment

The Calcutta High Court on Monday extended the interim protection granted to Trinamool Congress National General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee from coercive action in connection with the criminal proceedings arising out of his alleged "DJ" remark.

Justice Saugata Bhattacharya, upon noting that Banerjee had appeared to record a voice sample in the case and was cooperating with the investigation, directed that the interim order protecting Banerjee from coercive action shall continue until October, and listed the matter for hearing in September.

The court also declined Banerjee's plea to urgently travel abroad for eye treatment. "Appear before a medical board constituted at SSKM (Hospital) headed by the head of ophthalmology, let them assess you and let a report be placed before this court for us to go through...due to the present situation, the only way the court will permit you to go abroad if the health issue cannot be addressed or treatment cannot be given in Kolkata...your health issue is such that you have to travel abroad...," it held.

Banerjee had approached the High Court challenging the criminal proceedings initiated against him over his alleged "DJ" remark and sought protection from coercive measures. While granting interim relief earlier, the Court had directed him to cooperate with the investigation.

When the matter was taken up on Monday, the Court was informed that the investigation was continuing. Since the writ petition could not be heard finally, Justice Bhattacharya extended the interim protection already operating in Banerjee's favour.

The extension means that no coercive action shall be taken against Banerjee in connection with the case during the subsistence of the interim order, subject to his continued cooperation with the investigation and compliance with the conditions imposed by the Court.