The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday once again declined Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee's request to travel abroad for eye treatment, observing that the required medical care can be provided in India. The order came nearly two weeks after the court rejected a similar plea.
High Court refuses overseas travel request
A single bench of Justice Sougata Bhattacharya said there was no immediate need for the Diamond Harbour MP to leave the country when suitable treatment was available domestically.
The court observed that the priority was receiving medical care rather than the location where it was administered. It also reiterated its earlier view that reputed eye treatment facilities are available in Kolkata.
Banerjee is facing a police case over alleged intimidatory remarks made during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election campaign. His interim protection from coercive action remains in force till October 6, subject to his cooperation with the investigation and compliance with earlier court directions.
The judge also directed Banerjee to appear before the head of the Ophthalmology department at the state-run SSKM Hospital. The court said it would consider any further request only after reviewing the hospital's medical assessment.
Supreme Court had asked HC to hear plea
After the High Court rejected his earlier application on July 20, Banerjee approached the Supreme Court, arguing that he had cooperated with investigators and should not be denied access to specialised medical treatment.
On Monday, the apex court asked the Calcutta High Court to hear his petition within a week, following which the matter came up again on Wednesday.
Banerjee sustained an eye injury in a road accident in 2016 and has undergone specialised treatment abroad in the past, according to the Trinamool Congress.
Political reactions over travel request
The ruling BJP and the rival Trinamool faction questioned Banerjee's request to travel overseas.
West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul claimed, "If he needs treatment, we can arrange the best facilities in a state government hospital. Lakhs of people are treated here. There could be a plan to escape from the country."
Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee also alleged, "He is desperate to go abroad because he wants to escape. Once someone with a diplomatic passport reaches a country that has no extradition treaty with India, bringing him back becomes difficult."
Rejecting the allegations, senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said, "They should stop politicising a health issue. Why will he escape? He has faced every politically motivated case and has cooperated with the investigations."