Calcutta High Court grants Abhishek Banerjee interim protection against FIRs

• The Calcutta High Court has granted interim protection to Abhishek Banerjee against three criminal cases.
• Banerjee alleged that a spate of politically motivated FIRs were registered against him shortly after the BJP government came to power in West Bengal.
• The court directed the police not to take coercive steps against Banerjee until the matter is heard and decided upon.
• The order may set a precedent for future cases involving politically motivated FIRs and coercive police action.

Banerjee's counsel, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, argued that none of the cases disclose any crimes by Banerjee.

The Calcutta High Court has granted interim protection to Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee against three criminal cases registered between May 27 and June 16, 2026. The court directed the West Bengal police not to take any coercive steps against Banerjee in connection with these cases. This order was passed on a plea by Banerjee, who alleged that a spate of politically motivated FIRs were registered against him shortly after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government came to power in the State on May 4.

Banerjee's counsel, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, argued that none of the cases disclose any crimes by Banerjee. He also pointed out that there is no explanation given for the delay in registering these FIRs. The underlying complaints relate to incidents from years ago, including a case involving allegations of misallocation of public disaster relief funds via an unauthorised database for cyclone Amphan in 2020.

The order passed by Justice Saugata Bhhattacharyya has significant implications for the ongoing cases against Banerjee. The court's direction to the police not to take coercive steps against Banerjee is a temporary measure, aimed at preventing any potential harm or harassment to him until the matter is heard and decided upon. This order may set a precedent for future cases involving politically motivated FIRs and coercive police action.

The case highlights the importance of ensuring that law enforcement agencies act impartially and without bias. The court's intervention in this matter underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the functioning of law enforcement agencies, particularly in cases where there are allegations of political motivation.

The Calcutta High Court's order has far-reaching implications for lawyers advising clients on compliance with Indian laws. The potential precedent set by this order may impact their clients' exposure to politically motivated FIRs and coercive police action. This highlights the need for lawyers to be aware of the latest developments in case law, particularly those related to politically motivated FIRs and coercive police action.

The case also underscores the importance of ensuring that public funds are utilized properly and that there is no misallocation of resources. The allegations of misallocation of public disaster relief funds via an unauthorised database for cyclone Amphan in 2020 are a cause for concern, and the court's intervention in this matter may lead to greater transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

Lawyers advising clients on compliance with Indian laws should watch for the potential precedent set by this order, which may impact their clients' exposure to politically motivated FIRs and coercive police action.

Source: Original reporting via {Source}