Supreme Court permits Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for medical treatment

The Supreme Court of India on Monday permitted Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee to travel overseas for three weeks to undergo eye treatment. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued the order after Banerjee challenged a decision by the Calcutta High Court, which had previously denied his request to travel. The High Court had earlier directed him to undergo an examination by a medical board at SSKM Hospital to determine if his condition required treatment outside the country.

During the proceedings, the Supreme Court noted that every individual possesses the fundamental right to travel and choose their preferred medical care, regardless of pending criminal investigations. While the state government raised concerns regarding the number of criminal cases against the MP and the potential risk of him fleeing, the court granted the travel permission subject to conditions, including the surrender of his diplomatic passport. This ruling provides relief to the MP, who had sought judicial intervention after his initial application was rejected by the High Court.