The Calcutta High Court on Thursday granted interim protection from arrest to Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee in connection with a case alleging inflammatory remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah during West Bengal election rallies. The court restrained the police from taking any coercive action against Banerjee until July 31, while imposing certain travel-related conditions.
Case Background
The First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station following a complaint filed by activist Rajib Sarkar. The complaint alleged that Banerjee made inflammatory speeches between April 27 and May 3, targeting Amit Shah. The case includes charges under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Representation of the People Act.
Court's Order
Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya, presiding over the matter, directed that no coercive steps be taken against the TMC leader until the next hearing. The court also imposed conditions requiring Banerjee to cooperate with the investigation and not to leave the country without prior permission. The interim relief is valid until July 31, providing temporary reprieve to the MP.
The court's decision came after Banerjee's counsel argued that the remarks were taken out of context and that the complaint was politically motivated. The prosecution, however, maintained that the speeches could incite violence and disrupt public order.
Political Reactions
The Trinamool Congress welcomed the court's order, calling it a vindication of their leader's stance. Party spokespersons reiterated that Banerjee's speeches were within the bounds of democratic discourse. In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party criticized the relief, alleging that the judiciary was being lenient towards opposition leaders.
The case has garnered significant attention as it involves a senior leader of the ruling party in West Bengal and a Union Minister. The next hearing is scheduled for August, where the court will further examine the matter.
