For the second time, the Calcutta High Court on Monday refused an urgent hearing on a petition by Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee. The plea sought relaxation of an earlier order that barred him from traveling abroad for medical treatment.
Banerjee had requested an expedited review of the May 22 order to permit specialized eye treatment overseas following a 2016 road accident. The single bench had already declined a similar request on June 25.
Officials noted that Banerjee asked for a seven-day trip outside India. The court held that suitable treatment is available domestically and saw no reason for urgency given multiple pending cases against the leader.
The matter arises from a criminal complaint filed by Rajib Sarkar alleging derogatory remarks about Union Home Minister Amit Shah during an election rally. Banerjee had sought anticipatory bail, leading to the May 22 directive to cooperate with investigators and remain in the country.
