The Calcutta High Court questioned whether Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee remains sufficiently influential to interfere with police investigations if granted continued interim protection from arrest or custodial interrogation.
The Bench of Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya heared Banerjee’s plea against multiple FIRs, which he alleges were politically motivated and registered after the BJP came to power in West Bengal on May 4.
The Court noted the change in political dispensation and questioned the State’s claim that Banerjee could hamper the investigation. Justice Bhattacharyya referred to recent demolition proceedings involving a property being used as Banerjee’s MP office in Amtala, which were stalled after another High Court Bench intervened.
Pointing to the demolition of the Amtala office, the Court questioned claims of influence and noted that the incident highlighted a changing political situation.
Advocate General Surojit Nath Mitra submitted that the property did not belong to Banerjee and disputed its alleged link to Leaps and Bounds. Counsel for one of the complainants opposed further protection, arguing that Banerjee remained “mega influential” and that his continued protection could discourage witnesses from coming forward.
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju also opposed interim relief, submitting that FIRs disclosing cognisable offences could not be quashed at the threshold and that Banerjee had not established a prima facie case for such relief.
Additional Advocate General Billwadal Bhattacharya similarly opposed protection, arguing that previous court directions requiring Banerjee’s cooperation had necessitated further applications by the State.
The Court, however, extended its earlier order directing that no coercive steps be taken against Banerjee in three FIRs. The protection will continue until August 31 or further orders.
The Court reserved its decision on whether the protection should continue until the final disposal of Banerjee’s plea seeking quashing of the FIRs.
Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan informed the Court that 16 FIRs were now pending against Banerjee and sought complete copies of the FIRs and complaints, noting that only their first pages were available online.
The Court directed the police to furnish the documents before the next hearing, scheduled for August 25.
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