The Calcutta High Court permitted TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee to file a petition seeking protection from coercive action in a CID probe concerning alleged forgery of legislators’ signatures on a party resolution linked to the appointment of Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay in the Assembly.
In a significant development in the ongoing political controversy surrounding alleged forgery of legislators’ signatures, the Calcutta High Court granted permission to Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee to file a petition seeking protection against any coercive action by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The matter relates to an investigation concerning allegations that the signatures of certain TMC legislators were forged on a party resolution connected to the appointment of Ballygunge MLA Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
Background of the Controversy
The dispute originated after two TMC legislators, Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, approached the Assembly Secretariat alleging that their signatures had been forged on the party resolution endorsing Chattopadhyay’s appointment.
Acting upon the complaint, the Assembly Secretariat lodged a First Information Report (FIR) with the Kolkata Police. Given the seriousness of the allegations and their potential implications for legislative proceedings, the investigation was subsequently transferred to the State CID through orders issued by the State Home Secretary. The case has since attracted considerable political attention due to the involvement of senior leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress and allegations concerning the authenticity of official party documents.
The matter came up before Justice Apurba Sinha Ray, who was functioning as part of the High Court’s vacation bench. During the hearing, lawyers representing Abhishek Banerjee made an oral request seeking permission to move a petition challenging the FIR and requesting interim protection from any coercive action by investigating authorities.
Accepting the verbal prayer, the Court permitted Banerjee to file the petition. According to his legal team, the plea is expected to challenge the legality of the FIR and seek safeguards against arrest or any other coercive measures while the matter remains under judicial consideration. Counsel appearing for Banerjee informed the Court that the petition is likely to be taken up for hearing on Friday.
CID Investigation and Summons
The CID’s investigation has been progressing alongside the legal proceedings. As part of the inquiry, the agency issued a notice summoning Abhishek Banerjee for questioning in connection with the alleged forgery case.
However, Banerjee did not appear before the investigating authorities on the scheduled date. His representatives informed the agency that he was unwell and therefore unable to attend. They also sought additional time for compliance with the summons.
Following this request, the CID issued a fresh notice directing Banerjee to appear before the investigating officer on June 8.
The agency is reportedly examining the circumstances under which the disputed signatures were allegedly used and whether any criminal wrongdoing was involved in the preparation or submission of the resolution.
The controversy has also led to disciplinary action within the Trinamool Congress. The two legislators who initially raised allegations regarding the forged signatures Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha were later expelled from the party. According to party authorities, the action was taken for “anti-party activities”. The expulsions added a political dimension to the dispute, with competing narratives emerging over the motivations behind the allegations and the subsequent disciplinary measures.
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The legal developments have unfolded against the backdrop of another incident involving Abhishek Banerjee. Last Saturday, Banerjee, who serves as the national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress, was allegedly attacked while visiting the residence of a person claimed to be a victim of post-poll violence in Sonarpur in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.
The incident generated significant political reactions, with party leaders condemning the attack and demanding action against those responsible. Soon after the incident, the CID issued its summons in the alleged signature forgery investigation, further intensifying public and political attention on the matter.
With the High Court now permitting the filing of a substantive petition, the case is expected to move into a new phase of judicial scrutiny. The Court is likely to examine the validity of the FIR, the scope of the CID investigation, and the request for interim protection sought by Banerjee.
The outcome of the proceedings could have important implications not only for the ongoing criminal investigation but also for the broader political developments within the Trinamool Congress ahead of future electoral contests in West Bengal. The matter is expected to be taken up by the Calcutta High Court later this week.
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