The Calcutta High Court on Thursday granted interim protection to Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee in connection with an FIR registered against him and directed the Bidhannagar Police not to take any coercive action till July 31.
However, the court attached conditions to the relief and instructed Banerjee to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. While granting protection, the bench made it clear that the investigation would continue and authorities would retain the right to proceed according to law.
The order marks an important legal development and comes amid continued political attention around the case.
Read More: Bengal Government Clears Sandip Ghosh Prosecution in RG Kar Case
High Court Grants Interim Protection To Abhishek Banerjee
During the hearing, the Calcutta High Court considered submissions relating to the FIR registered against Abhishek Banerjee and passed an interim order providing protection from coercive action.
The court directed Bidhannagar Police not to take any coercive measures against Banerjee until July 31.
At the same time, the bench clarified that the order does not stop the investigation process.
The court allowed investigators to continue examining the allegations mentioned in the FIR.
According to the observations made during the hearing, the bench found that the allegations require proper investigation and assessment.
As a result, the court chose to balance investigative requirements with interim legal protection.
The order therefore provides temporary relief while allowing the inquiry to move ahead.
Court Makes Cooperation Mandatory
While granting interim protection, the High Court emphasised that Banerjee must cooperate with investigating authorities throughout the process.
The bench stated that the relief would remain conditional and linked directly to his conduct during the investigation.
According to the order, Banerjee cannot obstruct the process or avoid cooperation.
The court made it clear that authorities can continue gathering information and carrying out procedural steps.
Judges also underlined that interim protection should not affect the agency’s ability to investigate the matter.
The court therefore attached clear conditions to maintain procedural fairness.
Officials involved in the investigation may continue taking steps permitted under law.
The order places responsibility on both sides to follow the court’s directions.
Police Must Give Prior Notice Before Summons
In another important direction, the High Court instructed the investigating agency to provide advance notice before summoning Abhishek Banerjee.
According to the order, if investigators want to question Banerjee, they must serve a notice at least 48 hours in advance.
The court introduced this condition to ensure procedural clarity during the investigation.
The bench stated that advance communication would help maintain fairness and provide adequate opportunity for appearance.
Officials can continue questioning and collecting information as part of the investigation.
However, authorities must follow the timeline specified by the court.
The direction creates a structured framework for future investigative action.
The court’s order therefore establishes conditions for both protection and cooperation.
Court Leaves Scope For Further Action If Cooperation Fails
Although the High Court granted interim protection, it also left room for further legal action if circumstances change.
The bench observed that cooperation remains central to continuation of the relief.
If investigating authorities find Banerjee to be non-cooperative, the investigating officer may return to court and seek further directions.
The court specifically stated that investigators retain the right to report non-compliance.
In such a situation, authorities may request fresh instructions regarding the future course of action.
This observation indicates that the protection order remains conditional and not absolute.
The bench stressed that compliance with investigative procedures remains necessary.
Officials therefore continue to retain legal options depending on developments in the case.
Investigation To Continue Despite Interim Relief
The court’s order does not halt the investigation linked to the FIR.
Instead, the bench allowed the investigating agency to continue examining allegations and carrying forward the inquiry.
Judges noted that the allegations require proper scrutiny and should proceed through established legal processes.
Authorities can therefore continue collecting information and conducting procedural activities.
The interim order only prevents coercive action during the specified period.
Legal observers noted that such orders often attempt to balance individual protection with investigative requirements.
The High Court also clarified that granting temporary relief should not affect the overall investigation.
As a result, the probe will continue under judicially defined conditions.
Matter Likely To Return After July 31
The case is expected to come up for further hearing after July 31.
During the next phase, the court may review developments in the investigation and assess compliance with its directions.
Authorities are expected to update the bench regarding progress made during the interim period.
At the same time, the court may consider any future submissions made by either side.
Legal proceedings will continue according to the schedule fixed by the court.
For now, the order provides temporary protection to Abhishek Banerjee while allowing the investigation to proceed.
The development has attracted political and legal attention in West Bengal because of the conditions attached to the relief.
With the next hearing expected after July 31, focus will remain on the progress of the investigation and compliance with the High Court’s directions.
Read More: Assam Cabinet Approves State Data Policy 2026, Governor’s Address For Assembly Session