The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday directed Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee to appear before a special medical board at SSKM Hospital for evaluation of his eye condition, while deferring a decision on his plea to travel abroad for treatment.
During the hearing, the court ordered the formation of a specialised medical board comprising ophthalmologists from SSKM Hospital. The board has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive examination of Banerjee’s eyes and determining whether the required advanced treatment can be provided within India.
The High Court instructed that, upon completion of the examination, the medical board must submit a detailed report directly to the court. The report is expected to clearly state whether adequate treatment for his condition is available domestically or within the state. The court emphasised that a final decision on Banerjee’s request to travel abroad would be taken only after reviewing this report.
Banerjee’s counsel informed the court that he preferred to return to the overseas facility where he had previously undergone treatment, instead of visiting SSKM Hospital. However, the court maintained that the priority was ensuring proper medical care, irrespective of location, and directed him to comply with its order to appear at SSKM on Thursday. The court also dismissed the current petition.
In a significant observation, the High Court noted that multiple cases against Banerjee are presently sub judice, and therefore permission to travel abroad could not be granted at this stage. The state strongly opposed his plea, arguing that several investigations involving the MP are ongoing and that allowing him to leave the country could hamper the probe.
Taking these factors into account, the court denied Banerjee permission to travel abroad for the time being. Further proceedings in the matter will depend on the findings of the medical board’s report.
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