The Calcutta High Court scheduled a June 10 hearing on Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee’s plea seeking protection from coercive action by the CID in an alleged signature-forgery investigation involving party legislators. The matter will be heard after the court’s summer vacation concludes.
The Calcutta High Court fixed June 10 for hearing a petition filed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee seeking protection from any coercive action by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged signature-forgery case involving party legislators.
The matter came up before a vacation bench of Justice Chaitali Chatterjee Das, which directed that the case be placed before the appropriate regular bench after the conclusion of the Court’s summer vacation. The order was passed following an urgent mention made by Banerjee’s legal team seeking an early hearing of the matter.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy stems from allegations regarding the alleged forgery of signatures of two Trinamool Congress legislators on a party resolution relating to the appointment of Ballygunge MLA Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of Opposition.
The dispute began when TMC legislators Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha approached the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Secretariat claiming that their signatures had been forged on the resolution. According to the legislators, they had not consented to the resolution in the manner reflected in the document and sought an inquiry into the circumstances under which their signatures appeared on it.
Upon receiving the complaint, the Assembly Secretariat lodged a First Information Report (FIR) with the Kolkata Police, setting the criminal investigation in motion. Subsequently, the State Government transferred the probe to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) through an order issued by the State Home Department.
The matter acquired political significance because it involved internal developments within the ruling Trinamool Congress and raised questions regarding the authenticity of official party documents submitted before the Assembly.
The allegations were followed by disciplinary action within the Trinamool Congress. Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, who had raised the forgery allegations, were later expelled from the party on charges of engaging in “anti-party activities.”
Their expulsion further intensified the controversy, with political observers viewing the dispute as part of a broader internal conflict within the ruling party.
The criminal investigation, however, continued independently of the political developments, with the CID taking over the inquiry to examine the authenticity of the disputed signatures and the circumstances surrounding the preparation of the resolution.
CID Summons to Abhishek Banerjee
As part of the ongoing investigation, the CID issued a notice summoning Abhishek Banerjee for questioning. Banerjee, who serves as the National General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress and is widely regarded as the party’s second most influential leader after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was initially directed to appear before investigating officers earlier this week.
However, Banerjee did not attend the scheduled appearance, citing health-related issues and seeking additional time from the investigating agency.
Following his request, the CID issued a fresh notice directing him to appear before the investigating officer on June 8.
Anticipating possible coercive measures in connection with the summons, Banerjee approached the Calcutta High Court seeking protection while simultaneously challenging aspects of the investigation and the FIR.
Sonarpur Incident and Health Concerns
The developments surrounding the CID summons occurred shortly after Banerjee was involved in a separate incident in South 24 Parganas district.
Last week, Banerjee visited Sonarpur to meet the family of an individual who was reportedly a victim of post-poll violence. During the visit, a crowd allegedly confronted and targeted him, resulting in a tense situation that attracted significant political attention.
Following the incident, Banerjee reportedly sought medical treatment at two private healthcare facilities. Though he underwent medical evaluation, he was not admitted to either hospital. His legal representatives later cited these health concerns as the reason for his inability to appear before the CID on the earlier scheduled date.
High Court to Hear Matter After Recess
With the High Court now scheduling the matter for June 10, the regular bench is expected to consider Banerjee’s request for interim protection from any coercive action by the CID, as well as his challenge to the ongoing proceedings arising from the alleged signature-forgery investigation.
The outcome of the proceedings is likely to be closely watched given the political implications of the case and the involvement of one of the Trinamool Congress’ most prominent leaders.
The CID investigation, meanwhile, continues, with Banerjee presently required to appear before investigators on June 8 pursuant to the latest notice issued by the agency.
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