In a recent development, the Supreme Court of India rejected Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee’s plea to restrain media coverage of the legal proceedings in the West Bengal recruitment scam before the Calcutta High Court. This decision marks a significant setback for Banerjee, who is facing allegations in the alleged school jobs scam in West Bengal.
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Banerjee, the Diamond Harbour MP, had moved the top court seeking to suspend media coverage of the case, citing concerns that the Opposition was misusing live-streaming of his trial by uploading clips on social media platforms. He argued that this was harming his reputation. Senior Advocate Gopal Shankarnarayan, representing Banerjee, referred to the Sahara vs SEBI judgment in his argument. He stated,
“Since the proceedings are live-streamed, the Opposition is using the clips and putting them on social media platforms, especially those portions wherein the judge is making certain remarks about the petitioner. This is harming their reputation.”
However, the bench, comprising Justices Sanjeev Khanna and SVN Bhatti, declined the request. The bench held that the
“law on this subject (media coverage of trial) has been clarified by this court in numerous decisions.”
They further stated,
“The question of court interference or jurisdiction was examined by the division bench of the Calcutta High Court in the judgment dated October 5. We have also passed an order on December 8.”
The bench also clarified that the parties are bound by the orders passed by the court.
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The case against Banerjee pertains to the alleged collection of amounts from candidates for arranging various illegal appointments for primary teachers in West Bengal. The Enforcement Directorate has implicated Banerjee’s father, Amit Banerjee, and his wife Rujira as directors of companies allegedly used to divert “tainted money” in the scam. The agency stated,
“As part of a large conspiracy, tainted funds were collected under the bogus agreement from various business owners, by conspirators and conduits of corrupt politicians involved in money laundering of the proceeds of illegal coal mining.”
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Bharatiya Janata Party IT cell head Amit Malviya took a swipe at Abhishek Banerjee, highlighting the setback for the TMC MP. The court also advised the two-time Trinamool MP to approach the division bench of the high court before approaching the Supreme Court.
This ruling by the Supreme Court underscores the importance of transparency and the role of media in covering legal proceedings, affirming the principles of open justice and the public’s right to information.
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