The Calcutta High Court on Thursday granted protective cover to Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, restraining the West Bengal Police from taking any coercive action against him in connection with alleged remarks made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah during election rallies.
The protection will remain in force until July 31 or until the case is disposed of. The court also directed that the petitioner cannot travel without prior permission and must give 48 hours’ notice to the investigating officer before any movement.
Last week, an FIR was registered against Abhishek Banerjee at the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station over alleged provocative speeches made during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election campaign.
According to the FIR, the case was registered on May 15 following a complaint filed by social activist Rajib Sarkar on May 5, a day after the election results were announced.
Sarkar lodged the complaint at Baguiati Police Station and alleged that Banerjee made inflammatory remarks during multiple campaign events held between April 27 and May 3. The complaint further alleged that the speeches promoted enmity, disturbed public tranquillity and included threats directed at Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Sarkar also submitted links to several speeches along with the complaint.
Police said the FIR was filed under Sections 192, 196, 351(2) and 353(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertain to public order, rioting and misconduct, along with Sections 123(2) and 125 of the Representation of the People Act.
The FIR stated that the speeches allegedly contained provocative, threatening and inflammatory content capable of creating public disorder and disturbing communal harmony. Police also alleged that the accused used aggressive language against opposition workers during public events. The case relates to speeches delivered during the election campaign between April 27 and May 3, based on the complaint submitted on May 5.
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