Calcutta HC denies Abhishek Banerjee travel

On August 5, 2026, the India — Calcutta High Court dismissed a plea by India — Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for eye treatment. Justice Jay Bhattacharya had directed Banerjee to appear before a medical board at IPGMER and SSKM Hospital to assess whether treatment abroad was necessary, but Banerjee declined, insisting on his chosen doctor at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The court held that an independent medical assessment was essential and that the location of treatment was immaterial. Banerjee had previously been granted interim protection in a criminal case but was barred from leaving India without permission. He had approached the Supreme Court, which directed the High Court to decide expeditiously. The state, represented by Rajdeep Majumdar, opposed the plea citing multiple pending criminal cases. Separately, Mamata Banerjee urged the Election Commission to conclude an inquiry into a dispute over the India — Trinamool Congress name and symbol, involving rival faction leader Mamata Banerjee.