Calcutta High Court says custodial interrogation of Abhishek Banerjee not required in cases registered against him after May 4
During the hearing, the court asked the State whether any FIR has been lodged against Abhishek Banerjee before May 4 and additional solicitor general S.V. Raju confirmed the court that there were no cases before that
The Calcutta High Court extended the interim protection for Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee until August 31 and ruled that his custodial interrogation is not required in the 16 cases registered following the May 4 Assembly election results. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya heard the plea by Mr. Banerjee, who claimed that the cases were politically motivated.
The court also noted that the political scenario in West Bengal has changed since a different party is now in power, making immediate custodial interrogation unnecessary. Responding to the State's confirmation that there were no FIRs lodged against Mr. Banerjee before May 4, the court declined to quash these cases yet. The judge mentioned an instance of demolition work initiated against a property that had been used as Mr. Banerjee's MP office.
The court's decision indicates a shift in the political landscape and a change of scenario, suggesting that influential figures may face fewer obstacles in their daily operations post-election. The court reserved its verdict on whether to continue the interim protection until it decides on Mr. Banerjee's plea to have the FIRs against him dismissed.
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