Supreme Court allows Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for eye treatment

On August 10, 2026, the Supreme Court granted permission to Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for medical treatment. This decision came after the Calcutta High Court had previously barred him from leaving the country, leading him to appeal to the apex court. Senior Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh expressed support for Banerjee, noting that he had suffered a severe eye injury in an accident and had undergone multiple surgeries without significant improvement.

The Supreme Court permitted Banerjee a three-week travel window in September for his eye condition treatment, but mandated he submit travel details to the court. Previously, the Calcutta High Court had directed Banerjee to undergo eye examinations at SSKM Government Medical College and Hospital, with a potential formation of a medical board if necessary.

Since the Trinamool's electoral defeat, Banerjee has encountered legal troubles, including multiple FIRs and police questioning, which prompted the initial high court restriction on his travel during an ongoing investigation. Banerjee's personal assistant, Sumit Roy, has also been interrogated by the State police regarding alleged irregularities in recruitment and finances.

Ritabrata Banerjee, Trinamool's opposition leader in the West Bengal Assembly, voiced concerns about her brother's potential intent to avoid returning to India, emphasizing the need to await his return after the three-week treatment period. Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Minister Dilip Ghosh commented that if the Supreme Court deems it necessary, Banerjee should be allowed to travel, while dismissing the notion of a lack of competent medical professionals in the country.