High Court cuts rape sentence from 10 years’ jail to 1

On August 25, 2026, the Calcutta High Court issued an order to protect TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee from arrest in three criminal cases until November 30. The court ruled that custodial interrogation is unnecessary in these cases. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya stated that the Supreme Court's permission for Banerjee to travel abroad for medical reasons on August 10, 2026, would not be affected by this order.

The court also instructed the police not to take any coercive measures against Banerjee during this period. Banerjee was ordered to cooperate with the investigation and respond to any notices issued related to the three cases. The court directed that a minimum of 48 hours' notice be given to Banerjee for any appearances before investigators.

If Banerjee fails to cooperate with the investigations, the police may seek a variation or termination of the order. Banerjee's lawyer clarified that the Supreme Court's permission for travel abroad for medical treatment on August 10 applies to Banerjee, as per the conditions mentioned in that order. The order passed today should not restrict Banerjee's right to travel abroad for treatment, as long as he complies with the court's conditions.

The additional advocate general's prayer for a stay on the implementation of this order was rejected by the court. The High Court had already granted interim protection to Banerjee from coercive steps by the police in connection with three FIRs lodged at Bhowanipore, Bishnupur, and Kalitala police stations on June 30.