The Calcutta High Court has declined Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee’s bid to travel abroad for specialised eye treatment and ordered him to first undergo a thorough medical examination at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata for his treatment. The state’s premier government hospital should assess his medical condition before permission for overseas treatment can be considered.
The decision came at the hearing of Banerjee's petition seeking approval to travel abroad on July 29 for advanced treatment related to his eye condition.
Court Directs Medical Evaluation in Kolkata
While refusing immediate permission for foreign travel, the High Court directed Banerjee to seek treatment and evaluation at SSKM Hospital, one of West Bengal’s leading government medical institutions.
The court said that only after the hospital provided a medical opinion would it be possible to make an assessment of the necessity of overseas treatment.
That means Banerjee will not be allowed to leave the country for medical treatment at this stage.
Interim Protection Extended Until October 6
Although the High Court declined the travel request, it did offer relief to the TMC leader by extending the interim protection granted earlier in connection with the ongoing investigation against him.
As per the court's order, investigating agencies will not be allowed to take any coercive action against Abhishek Banerjee until October 6.
This protects him from immediate action while the matter is being considered by the courts.
Next Hearing Scheduled in August
The High Court has listed the matter for further hearing in August, when it is expected to consider fresh developments, including the medical assessment and submissions from both parties.
The court will also consider subsequent medical reports before making any further decision on Banerjee’s request for treatment abroad.
Background of the Case
Abhishek Banerjee, who represents the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency, has been involved in a number of legal cases related to investigations by the central government.
His latest plea before the High Court was based solely on getting permission to travel overseas for specialist medical treatment related to an eye condition.
But it was a judgment by the court that local medical facilities should first assess his condition before overseas therapy can take place.
Importance of SSKM Hospital's Medical Opinion
The High Court's direction is extremely important for the assessment by SSKM Hospital, which is regarded as one of the leading tertiary care government hospitals in eastern India.
The medical evaluation will likely determine:
- The severity of Banerjee's eye condition.
- Whether specialised treatment is needed.
- If the necessary treatment is available in India.
- If overseas treatment is medically justified.
The findings could be used in court proceedings in his travel request.
Legal Proceedings Continue
The court’s order addresses two aspects of the ongoing issue: medical evaluation in the hands of well-established healthcare institutions, and protection from coercive action.
With interim protection in place until October 6, Abhishek Banerjee will continue to receive protection from immediate action by investigating agencies as the legal proceedings proceed.
The next stage of the case is expected to take place after the hearing in August and the submission of the medical evaluation.
