The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee to appear before the CID by 6 pm in connection with the alleged forged-signature case involving MLAs.
While ordering his appearance, the court also said that no coercive action should be taken against him for now.
The direction came during the hearing of a petition filed by Banerjee seeking the cancellation of the CID notice and protection from any stringent action. Justice Kaushik Chanda passed the order after hearing the matter.
Abhishek is currently in Delhi and is expected to return to Kolkata later in the day. Following his arrival, he will have to report to Bhawani Bhavan, the CID headquarters.
CID asked to submit investigation report
The court has instructed the CID to place a report on the progress of the investigation during the next hearing, scheduled two weeks later.
Along with the status of the probe, the investigating agency has also been asked to submit a report on whether the accused is cooperating with the investigation.
Fresh summons to require 24-hour notice
The High Court further observed that if the CID needs to summon Abhishek Banerjee again, it must issue a notice at least 24 hours in advance.
During the hearing, the state government strongly argued against continuing the protection granted to the Trinamool leader. However, the court declined to withdraw the interim relief.
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What the court said
Justice Chanda remarked that if necessary, the police may issue a warrant. There is no legal bar to granting protection. If they fail to obtain the required documents from him, that will be treated as a failure on the part of the state police. The police may come and inform the court that he is not cooperating. We will then consider the matter.
Abhishek also challenges FIR
In a parallel development, Abhishek Banerjee has also approached the High Court challenging the entire FIR registered in the alleged forged-signature case involving legislators.
The court has granted permission for the petition to be filed, paving the way for a separate legal challenge to the case.
