The Calcutta High Court on Friday sharply rebuked Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee for repeatedly failing to provide his voice sample to the CID despite earlier court directions. The court warned that if he did not cooperate with the investigation immediately, it would withdraw the interim protection granted to him, leaving him open to arrest or other coercive action by the investigating agency.
Court warns against investigation non cooperation
During the hearing, Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya questioned Banerjee’s repeated refusal to comply with the investigation and observed that “everything has a limit.” The judge made it clear that the protection granted under Article 226 of the Constitution was conditional upon his cooperation with the investigation.
Protection linked to investigation cooperation condition
Following the court’s observations, Banerjee’s counsel informed the bench that the TMC leader would appear before the authorities and provide his voice sample by 3 pm on Saturday. The lawyer, however, requested that the state ensure no one throws eggs at him during his appearance.
Abhishek agrees provide voice sample Saturday
The court directed the state government to ensure such incidents do not occur, observing that egg-throwing should be prevented and adequate arrangements should be made to maintain law and order.
The case relates to alleged remarks made by Banerjee during an election campaign in connection with a DJ-related controversy. The CID has sought his voice sample as part of its investigation.
Court seeks security against egg throwing
Banerjee had argued that there was no need to provide a voice sample since he had not denied that the voice in the recording was his. However, the High Court rejected the argument, stating that collecting the sample forms part of the investigation and that Banerjee was duty-bound to cooperate.
The court also criticised Banerjee’s legal team for filing multiple petitions on the same issue, calling it an abuse of the judicial process. Banerjee’s counsel later admitted that he had misunderstood the earlier order and sought permission to withdraw the petition challenging the direction to provide the voice sample.
