No coercive action against Abhishek Banerjee: Calcutta HC directs West Bengal Police

Key points

• The Calcutta High Court on Thursday (May 21, 2026) provided relief to Trinamool Congress (TMC) general secretary Abhishek Banerjee by directing the West Bengal Police to not take any coercive step against him till July 31, 2026 or until further orders were passed, whichever was earlier.
• “Having considered the respective submissions made on behalf of the parties and taking note of the nature of alleged offence, the Court finds that custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not necessary.
• Furthermore, the right of the petitioner is protected under Section 35(3) of BNSS 2023. At this stage, the Court directs the concerned police authority not to take any coercive step against the petitioner till 31st July, 2026 or until further order, whichever is earlier,” the order by Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya said.
• The matter relates to a First Information Report (FIR) filed against the Trinamool Congress general secretary on May 15, 2026 for...