Calcutta HC Questions Abhishek Banerjee’s Campaign Remarks, Grants Interim Protection

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday granted interim protection from coercive action to senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee till July 31 in connection with an FIR over alleged inflammatory remarks made during the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly election campaign. While extending relief, the court sharply questioned the nature of his statements and referred to Bengal’s “dark history” of post-poll violence.

Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya , hearing Banerjee’s petition seeking quashing of the FIR, asked whether a parliamentarian and national general secretary of a national party should make “irresponsible statements” during an intensely polarised election season. The judge observed that West Bengal has repeatedly witnessed violence after elections and wondered what consequences such rhetoric could trigger in a politically volatile environment.

The FIR was registered at the Bidhannagar North Cyber Crime Police Station following a complaint alleging that Banerjee made provocative remarks against BJP leaders and workers during campaign rallies held in April. Several speeches reportedly contained direct attacks on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with Banerjee accusing the BJP leadership of intimidation, misuse of central agencies and attempting to control Bengal politics through fear and polarisation.

One of the speeches under scrutiny allegedly included remarks questioning who would protect BJP workers after the elections, while another referred to a “godfather from Delhi,” widely interpreted as a veiled attack on Shah. Investigators are examining whether the comments could amount to incitement or disturb public order.

During the hearing, the court directed Banerjee to cooperate fully with investigators and comply with notices issued by the police. It also barred him from travelling abroad without prior court permission. However, the court said no coercive steps would be taken against him until July 31.

The case has assumed wider political significance amid escalating tensions between the BJP-led Centre and the TMC following the Bengal elections. Political observers believe the proceedings could become another flashpoint in the increasingly bitter confrontation between the two sides. The matter will next be heard on July 20.