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A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court, presided over by Justice Sougata Bhattacharya, has denied permission to Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for ophthalmic treatment. During the hearing on Wednesday morning, the court dismissed the case after Banerjee's counsel informed the bench that the MP would not undergo an examination at Kolkata's state-run SSKM Medical College and Hospital. The High Court had earlier advised Banerjee to first consult experts at SSKM Hospital before any decision on overseas medical travel could be made.
The High Court ruling follows a directive from the Supreme Court, where a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant referred the matter back to the Calcutta High Court with instructions to reach a decision within seven days. Banerjee had previously approached the apex court after Justice Bhattacharya's July 20 order directed him to seek medical evaluation locally at SSKM first.
During Wednesday's proceedings, Banerjee’s counsel, Rebecca Mammen John, argued that her client required specialized foreign care and noted that he was previously permitted overseas travel during an Enforcement Directorate (ED) case. However, West Bengal’s Additional Advocate General, Rajdeep Majumdar, objected, stating that Banerjee is now listed as an accused in multiple ongoing cases and granting permission for foreign travel could adversely affect active investigations. Consequently, Justice Bhattacharya refused travel clearance and dismissed the petition.