Supreme Court grants liberty to Abhishek Banerjee, asks Calcutta HC to consider plea against media trial
A Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana said that Abhishek Banerjee can mention for hearing the matter on the reopening of the High Court
On November 3, 2026, the Supreme Court granted relief to Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee and directed the Calcutta High Court to review his plea against media trial. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana ruled that Banerjee could request a hearing on the reopening of the High Court. The case revolves around a land grab investigation implicating Banerjee's personal assistant, Sumit Roy, in alleged cash deposits.
Senior advocate Shoeb Alam representing Banerjee argued that the matter had been heard once by the High Court, which informed him it did not have a roster. Banerjee has since tried to present his case three times, claiming a breach of his rights. The lawyer contended that the Supreme Court has consistently held that presumption of innocence cannot be compromised by media trials. The Calcutta High Court had previously ordered Banerjee to submit a voice sample by July 15.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya noted that the High Court would reopen on November 16, following the Durga Puja and Diwali holidays, allowing Banerjee to mention the matter for interim relief consideration. The MP seeks an order from the High Court restraining agencies from disseminating personal information to the media, arguing that selective leaks are damaging his image and influencing ongoing investigations.
Banerjee alleges that probe agencies are leaking search, interrogation, and legal details to the media, tarnishing his reputation and jeopardizing fair investigations.
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