TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee has approached the Calcutta High Court after his bank accounts were frozen, potentially jeopardizing his planned medical treatment abroad. The court has also extended his interim protection in a separate forgery probe.

  • Abhishek Banerjee filed a petition in Calcutta High Court against the freezing of his bank accounts.
  • The move comes despite Supreme Court clearance for his travel abroad for eye treatment.
  • Interim protection from arrest extended until November in a CID signature forgery case.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee approached the Calcutta High Court on Monday, alleging that his bank accounts have been frozen without any valid justification. This financial lockdown comes at a critical juncture as the leader prepares to travel overseas for specialized medical care.

Appearing before Justice Krishna Rao, Banerjee’s counsel emphasized that the MP requires urgent eye treatment abroad—a trip that had already been sanctioned by the Supreme Court. The defense argued that no official reason or prior notice was provided by the authorities before the accounts were frozen, effectively hindering his access to funds for medical expenses.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this development highlights a recurring pattern where administrative actions are used as leverage in high-stakes political conflicts. By freezing accounts even after a Supreme Court clearance for travel, the state machinery creates a 'functional block' that bypasses judicial permissions. This case underscores the tension between investigative agencies and political figures in West Bengal.

"The right to access medical treatment is a fundamental facet of the right to life, and administrative hurdles in funding such care can be seen as a violation of basic rights."

In a parallel proceeding, the court dealt with a CID investigation into alleged signature forgery. Justice Kaushik Chanda extended Banerjee’s interim protection from coercive action until November. The case involves a resolution book signed by 70 MLAs, where five individuals claimed their signatures were forged.

The Additional Advocate General (AAG) argued that forensic tests confirmed the forgeries and suggested Banerjee's involvement. However, the court questioned the logic of the prosecution, asking if mere presence in a meeting equates to orchestrating a fake document. While the probe continues, the court ensured the MP cannot be arrested without prior judicial permission.

Did You Know?: Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) or similar statutes, agencies can freeze assets, but the courts often intervene if the action is deemed arbitrary or lacks sufficient evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did Abhishek Banerjee approach the High Court?
He approached the court to challenge the freezing of his bank accounts, which is hindering his ability to pay for eye treatment abroad.

2. What is the status of the CID forgery case?
The court has extended his protection from arrest until November, though the CID is permitted to continue its investigation into the forged signatures.