Bengal: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee gets protection from coercive action in three FIRs

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday directed that no coercive action be taken against Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee in three first information reports registered against him, Live Law reported.

There was no need for Banerjee to be interrogated in custody, held Justice Saugata Bhattacharya. The TMC national general secretary was granted protection till November 30, or until further orders.

Bhattacharya also stipulated that Banerjee be given at least 48 hours’ notice before being called for interrogation, Live Law reported. However, the judge told the TMC leader to cooperate with the police and remain available for interrogation.

Cases were registered against Banerjee at Bhabanipur police station on May 27, Kalitala police station on June 1, and Bishnupur police station on June 16. He contended before the court that “unreasonable complaints” had been filed against him since the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in West Bengal after defeating the TMC in the Assembly election in May.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state, had objected to Banerjee filing a single petition seeking relief against multiple FIRs. He had argued that such a petition was not maintainable.

However, the court held on Tuesday that there was no need to file a separate petition for each case, as it would “only lead to multiplicity of litigation”, Bar and Bench reported.

While Banerjee had sought relief...

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