The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) MP Abhishek Banerjee to provide a list of judges who he believes are aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The observation was made by a bench led by Justice Krishna Rao during a hearing regarding a petition filed by the Diamond Harbour MP.
The legal proceedings stem from a challenge brought by Banerjee against the reduction of his security cover from Z+ to X category following a change of government in West Bengal. During the hearing, Additional Advocate General Billwadal Bhattacharya presented a video clip and a transcript of remarks made by the MP on November 7. Bhattacharya argued before the court that the leader’s comments constituted criminal contempt, stating, "The court cannot be taken for a ride. Political rivalry can be there, but the court is beyond and above that."
Banerjee had previously accused the judiciary of "dilly-dallying" over his security case and alleged that the "BJP had exerted pressure" on the process. While addressing a gathering on November 7, he claimed that a section of the judiciary was acting as "mute spectators" and suggested that ongoing unrest in West Bengal was a result of cases being kept pending by the High Court and Supreme Court. He further added that he was prepared to face jail time for speaking what he described as the truth.
In response to the evidence presented, Justice Krishna Rao remarked to the legal counsel, "Ask your client. Who are the judges with the BJP? Please give the list. Your client is very intelligent as per the statement. Let your client give the list of those who belong to the BJP and those who belong to the AITC."
Senior advocate Shoeb Alam, representing Banerjee in the security matter, argued that the MP's comments had no connection to the petition currently before the court.
Key facts
- The Calcutta High Court bench is led by Justice Krishna Rao.
- Abhishek Banerjee’s security cover was downgraded from Z+ to X category.
- The MP made the controversial remarks during a public address on November 7, 2026.
- Additional Advocate General Billwadal Bhattacharya alleged the statements amount to criminal contempt.
- The court has requested that the petitioner identify specific judges allegedly favoring political parties.
Background
The confrontation follows recent political developments in West Bengal and public criticism leveled by the MP against the judiciary's handling of his security-related legal petition.
Source: Hindustan Times
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