Abhishek Banerjee moves SC again for abroad eye treatment permission
Synopsis
Abhishek Banerjee has returned to the Supreme Court for the second time seeking permission to travel abroad for eye treatment — just days after the Calcutta High Court dismissed his plea when he refused to follow judicial advice to consult state-run SSKM Hospital specialists. With multiple FIRs including non-bailable charges against him, the apex court's next move carries significant legal and political weight.
Key Takeaways
Abhishek Banerjee , Trinamool Congress general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP, has filed a fresh petition before the Supreme Court seeking permission to travel abroad for eye treatment.
The Calcutta High Court dismissed his earlier plea on 5 August after his counsel confirmed he would not visit S.S.K.M.
Medical College and Hospital as advised by Justice Sougata Bhattacharya .
This is the second time Banerjee has approached the Supreme Court in the same matter; the first time, a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant referred it back to the Calcutta High Court .
West Bengal police have registered several FIRs against Banerjee, including under non-bailable sections, and have objected to his foreign travel.
Banerjee's eye injury stems from a road accident in October 2016 during a return trip from Murshidabad to Kolkata .
The date of the next Supreme Court hearing in the matter is yet to be announced.
Trinamool Congress general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee has filed a fresh petition before the Supreme Court seeking permission to travel abroad for ophthalmic treatment, days after the Calcutta High Court dismissed his earlier plea on 5 August 2025. This marks the second time Banerjee has directly approached the apex court in the same matter.
Background: How the Legal Battle Unfolded
Banerjee first moved the Calcutta High Court last month seeking permission for overseas eye treatment. During a hearing on 20 July, Justice Sougata Bhattacharya of the High Court's single-judge bench advised him to first consult specialists at the state-run S.S.K.M. Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, adding that the court's decision on overseas travel would depend on their expert report.
Instead of complying with that advice, the Diamond Harbour MP bypassed the High Court and approached the Supreme Court directly. A three-judge division bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Venkita Subramani Mohan then referred the matter back to the Calcutta High Court.
High Court Dismisses the Petition
The case returned to Justice Bhattacharya's bench on 5 August. During that hearing, Banerjee's counsel informed the court that his client would not visit S.S.K.M. for the recommended consultation. Following this refusal, Justice Bhattacharya not only denied the Diamond Harbour MP permission to travel abroad but also dismissed the petition entirely.
Notably, this is a pattern — Banerjee has twice sidestepped judicial advice before returning to a higher court, a sequence that courts have taken note of.
Police Objections and Legal Complications
The West Bengal state police administration has raised strong objections to Banerjee's foreign travel. Several First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against him, including some under non-bailable sections, making the question of overseas travel legally sensitive.
This comes amid a broader political backdrop in which Banerjee, as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) general secretary and a close associate of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has been at the centre of multiple legal disputes.
The Injury That Started It All
The eye condition dates back to October 2016, when Abhishek Banerjee was involved in a road accident while returning to Kolkata from a party programme in Murshidabad district. He sustained serious injuries to his eye in that accident and subsequently sought treatment at several hospitals within the country before pursuing medical care abroad.
What Happens Next
Banerjee's fresh petition before the Supreme Court is yet to be listed for hearing, and the date of the next proceedings is not yet known. The apex court's response — particularly given that it had previously referred the matter back to the Calcutta High Court — will be closely watched.
Point of View
Then refusing the same advice when the matter returned — is an unusual litigation posture that courts are unlikely to view favourably. The Supreme Court had already sent the matter back once; a second referral or outright refusal would effectively close the door. The unresolved FIRs, including non-bailable charges, add a layer that goes beyond medical necessity and into questions of judicial oversight over individuals facing serious criminal proceedings. Mainstream coverage has focused on the medical angle; the more consequential question is whether the courts will allow overseas travel for someone with active non-bailable charges — a precedent with implications well beyond this case.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Abhishek Banerjee seeking Supreme Court permission to travel abroad?
Abhishek Banerjee is seeking permission to travel abroad for ophthalmic treatment related to a serious eye injury he sustained in a road accident in October 2016. After the Calcutta High Court dismissed his petition on 5 August, he filed a fresh plea before the Supreme Court.
Why did the Calcutta High Court dismiss Abhishek Banerjee's petition?
The Calcutta High Court dismissed the petition on 5 August after Banerjee's counsel informed Justice Sougata Bhattacharya that his client would not consult specialists at SSKM Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata — a step the court had specifically advised as a precondition for considering overseas travel permission.
Has Abhishek Banerjee approached the Supreme Court before in this matter?
Yes, this is the second time Banerjee has approached the Supreme Court. On the first occasion, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant referred the matter back to the Calcutta High Court, which subsequently dismissed it.
Why are police objecting to Abhishek Banerjee's foreign travel?
The West Bengal state police administration has objected to Banerjee's overseas travel because several FIRs have been registered against him, including some under non-bailable sections. His travel abroad could complicate ongoing legal proceedings.
When is the next Supreme Court hearing in Abhishek Banerjee's case?
As of 7 August, the date of the next Supreme Court hearing on Banerjee's fresh petition has not yet been announced.
