Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: Despite Granting Interim Protection
The Calcutta High Court has granted interim protection to Abhishek Banerjee, albeit accompanied by stern observations. The Court directed that the police shall not take any coercive action against Abhishek Banerjee without its explicit permission. However, the Trinamool Congress's All-India General Secretary and Member of Parliament, Abhishek, is also prohibited from leaving the country without the Court's prior approval. This interim protection is to remain in force until July 30, or until further orders are issued. The Calcutta High Court issued this directive on Thursday. Furthermore, Abhishek is required to extend full cooperation to the ongoing investigation. The case before the Court stemmed from certain remarks made by Abhishek during the campaign for the 2026 Assembly elections. It was in this context that the Court issued its orders today. The Court reiterated that the police are barred from taking any punitive measures against Abhishek Banerjee in the absence of a specific judicial directive. The interim protection granted to Abhishek is valid until July 30. However, he is expressly forbidden from traveling abroad without obtaining the Court's permission. Abhishek has been instructed to cooperate fully with the investigation. Additionally, the Court stipulated that if the police intend to summon Abhishek, they must issue a notice at least 48 hours in advance. The Court further clarified that Abhishek must appear before the police in person; virtual appearances will not be accepted. Justice Sougata Bhattacharyya stated that if summoned by the police, Abhishek must present himself physically. The Court also strongly condemned the remarks made by Abhishek during the election campaign. Justice Sougata Bhattacharyya observed, "How could the General Secretary of a national political party—a Member of Parliament, no less—make such remarks? If the General Secretary of a national party makes comments of this nature, just consider what might have transpired had the election results turned out differently." In response, Kalyan Banerjee, the counsel representing the Trinamool MP, remarked, "Perhaps there would have been absolute peace." Justice Bhattacharyya retorted, "Our political history does not speak very highly of such matters. The people ushered in a change in 2011 with the hope of a better future." Kalyan Banerjee responded, "Perhaps the people are harboring similar hopes for a better future in 2026 as well." Justice Bhattacharyya replied, "That remains for time to tell. This is not the appropriate moment to determine that." During the proceedings today, a plea was submitted to the Court requesting that Abhishek be permitted to appear virtually. However, the Court firmly rejected this request, declaring that Abhishek must appear in person and that no applications for virtual appearances would be entertained. Justice Bhattacharyya explicitly stated that if summoned by the police, Abhishek is required to appear physically. Meanwhile, the State Government informed the Court that it would not take any action contrary to the law. For the time being, the court has issued an interim order. However, political analysts believe that despite securing legal protection, the court's observations remain quite uncomfortable for Abhishek.
The controversial remarks made by Abhishek were delivered while he was out campaigning for the elections. On April 14, speaking at a public rally, Abhishek stated: "One should not show excessive leniency towards the BJP. Furthermore, our courtesy should not be mistaken for weakness. For those who have committed injustices against the people and subjected them to humiliation—this time, there will be no *Rabindra Sangeet* for them; instead, a DJ will be playing on the 4th. Be prepared." Addressing Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he added: "I tell Amit Shah: ensure you are present in Bengal on the 4th." Subsequently, on April 18, Abhishek reiterated: "I challenge Amit Shah. He declared, 'Accounts will be settled, one by one.' I say to him: if you have the guts, be in Bengal on the 4th. We shall meet in Kolkata after 12:00 PM. That is when we will truly see who stands where." A complaint regarding these remarks was subsequently lodged at the Bidhannagar Cyber Police Station.