The Supreme Court on Monday allowed Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for three weeks for eye treatment.
The relief came after the Calcutta High Court had refused permission for the Diamond Harbour MP to travel overseas for medical treatment.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana passed the order while hearing Banerjee’s challenge to the high court’s decision, PTI reported.
Why did Abhishek Banerjee approach the Supreme Court?
Banerjee had moved the Supreme Court after the Calcutta High Court rejected his request on August 5.
The high court had noted that Banerjee was unwilling to appear before a medical board at the state-run SSKM Hospital in Kolkata for an assessment of his condition.
The court had indicated that his request could be considered if he appeared before the medical board and obtained an expert assessment on whether overseas treatment was necessary.
The Supreme Court had subsequently directed the Calcutta High Court on August 3 to consider Banerjee’s plea seeking permission to travel abroad for treatment.
Supreme Court grants three-week travel permission
The Supreme Court has now permitted Banerjee to travel overseas for three weeks for his eye treatment.
The order provides relief to the TMC leader, who had been restricted from travelling abroad under conditions imposed in a separate case.
Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for Banerjee, had earlier told the Supreme Court that the plea sought modification of the high court’s order to enable the MP to travel overseas for medical treatment.
Interim protection extended until October 6
Banerjee also has interim protection from coercive action in a separate case concerning alleged remarks against leaders and workers of a rival political party.
The Calcutta High Court had extended the protection until October 6 or until further orders, whichever came earlier.
The high court had also directed Banerjee to cooperate with the investigation and had restricted his overseas travel without prior permission.
Calcutta HC had cited local treatment options
While refusing permission earlier, the Calcutta High Court noted that several reputed eye clinics were available in Kolkata.
The court also considered Banerjee’s decision not to appear before the medical board at SSKM Hospital. It observed that an assessment by medical experts could have helped determine whether overseas treatment was required.
The Supreme Court’s latest order now allows Banerjee to travel abroad for the specified three-week period for his eye treatment.
