The Calcutta High Court is scheduled to hear Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee's petition on June 10, challenging a summons issued by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and seeking protection from coercive action in a signature forgery case. The matter was listed before the single bench of Justice Chaitali Chatterjee (Das) on Friday, but due to a lack of time, the court could not take up the case.
Background of the Case
Banerjee has been summoned to appear before the CID headquarters at Bhabani Bhawan on June 8. The summons originates from a letter submitted by the Trinamool Congress to the assembly secretariat on May 19, nominating TMC MLA Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as the party's Leader of the Opposition. The letter, which purportedly bore the signatures of around 70 newly elected party MLAs, became controversial after allegations emerged that several signatures had been forged.
Allegations and Investigation
A complaint was subsequently lodged at Hare Street police station, prompting an investigation by the CID. Banerjee had earlier skipped a summons issued by the agency for Monday, citing health reasons. He requested a few weeks' time to recover before appearing for questioning.
The case has drawn significant political attention in West Bengal, with the Trinamool Congress maintaining that the allegations are baseless and part of a conspiracy to target its leaders. The court's decision on June 10 is expected to provide clarity on the legal proceedings against Banerjee.
