Kolkata: Calcutta High Court on Thursday refused interim protection to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in eight FIRs. Responding to the claim of Banerjee’s counsel that chief minister Suvendu Adhikari also got blanket protection in 17 cases filed as one petition when he was the Leader of Opposition (LoP), the judge remarked. “Suvendu Adhikari is not an example.”Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya, however, told Banerjee’s counsel — senior advocate Kapil Sibal — to “bring it to court’s notice” if any action is taken against him in the eight FIRs.“Prima facie it appears to be an omnibus petition. The court has to consider on a case-to-case basis. In one go, in one petition, how can all the matters be clubbed?” Justice Bhattacharyya observed.To this, Sibal highlighted that CM Adhikari was granted blanket protection for 17 cases which were filed in a single petition. “What’s good for Suvendu Adhikari, must be good for us,” Sibal told the court.This prayer was opposed by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju who stated that multiple cases cannot be combined in a single petition. But time was sought by the state for hearing on a later date.Apart from this, Banerjee’s counsel sought for a list of cases filed against Abhishek since May 4. The case has been listed for hearing on July 30. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta will be appearing for the state.His counsel informed HC that one FIR each has been filed in Bhowanipore, Siliguri, Kalitala, Ashuti, Diamond Harbour and Nakashipara and two at Bishnupur. These are apart from two FIRs at Bidhannagar Cyber, one at Hare Street, Salboni and Debra. Senior advocate Sibal submitted that all these were filed in just 36 days.In his petition, Banerjee stated that with the change in govt, there was a sudden and unprecedented escalation of criminal proceedings, complaints and coercive actions directed against netas, office bearers, elected representatives, functionaries, workers and persons associated with the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC).While placing the eight FIRs filed against him, sections could not be disclosed for those filed in Siliguri, Diamond Harbour, Nakashipara and Bishnupur. It was stated that Banerjee is being repeatedly summoned by various agencies and subjected to prolonged hours of interrogation.
