Image credit: PTI NEW DELHI: The Calcutta high court on Thursday granted interim protection from coercive action to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in connection with a case involving the alleged forgery of signatures of newly elected TMC MLAs after the recent assembly elections.While granting interim relief, the court directed Banerjee to appear before the investigating agency at 6 pm on Thursday for questioning in the matter. However, the protection order ensures that no coercive action can be taken against him for the time being.The high court also observed that Banerjee cannot be compelled to produce the allegedly forged document. It said the investigating agency must obtain the document through the legal process of search and seizure rather than requiring him to submit it.What is the case about?After the TMC’s defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections, two factions emerged within the party, one backing Abhishek Banerjee, and another led by rebel MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha.Abhishek Banerjee wrote to the Assembly Speaker recommending senior leader Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as Leader of the Opposition. A resolution purportedly signed by about 70 TMC MLAs was submitted to the Assembly Secretariat.On May 27, the two rebel MLAs told the Speaker that there was no meeting or resolution on May 6. They said they were only asked to sign a book on May 19, not any resolution. They also pointed out that at least 14 signatures were written in block letters rather than real cursive handwriting.The Assembly Secretariat filed an FIR. The case was later transferred to the CID. The CID has questioned at least 13 TMC MLAs, and at least three lawmakers have said the signatures linked to them are not real.Banerjee was summoned three times, on June 1, June 8 and June 9, but did not appear. His legal team said he was sick and in Delhi.On June 9, CID searched the TMC office located on the same premises as Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence. Party leaders initially refused entry, leading to a brief standoff, but the search eventually went ahead.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Extends Tax Benefits For Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Energy Market UncertaintyIndia Protests Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Amid Trump’s Defence Of US StrikesFirst Indigenous C-295 Aircraft Successfully Completes Maiden Flight At Tata-Airbus FacilityCyber Fraud Crackdown: Gujarat Police Expose 105 Mule Accounts Under Operation Mule Hunt 2.0Manipur Tensions Rise After Bodies Of Six Abducted Naga Hostages Recovered In KangpokpiTamil Nadu CM Vijay Holds Talks With Congress Top Brass In Delhi Amid New Political SpeculationPM Modi Marks Historic Tenure, Credits NDA’s 12-Year Journey For India’s TransformationMEA Condemns Oman Ship Attack As 21 Indians Rescued, Three Crew Members Still MissingAt NDA Conclave, PM Modi Contrasts Congress Era With ‘NDA’s Development Record’ | WatchYusuf Pathan, Shatrughan Sinha, Sayoni Ghosh Among 19 MPs In Rebel Camp | Watch123Photostories6 simple ways to avoid unexpected snake encounters this spring8 things hiring managers notice within seconds of opening your resumeShe is 37, but her biological age is 24: 5 habits that help her stay youngAre your kids addicted to screens too? 5 things parents must fix first before limiting screen timeFrom India’s newest discovery to iconic: 10 monkey species found in India, and forests where travellers can spot themWhy some children stop telling parents the truth after age 10French love proverb of the day: “The pleasure of love lasts only a moment, the pain of love lasts…”Do you want to become rich? try these remedies based on your birthTop 8 premium residential societies driving luxury living in Noida7 things you must do in your garden in order to attract garden birds123Hot PicksOpendoor IndiaNitish Kumar SonForm 26ASIND vs AFG Live ScoreDelhi weatherGuru Randhawa gym firingTMC rebel MP listKerala Plus One ResultTS Inter Supply Result 2026Top TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderGuru Randhawa Gym FiringGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireSingappen Special ForceMeerut Conversion CaseCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder
NEW DELHI: The Calcutta high court on Thursday granted interim protection from coercive action to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in connection with a case involving the alleged forgery of signatures of newly elected TMC MLAs after the recent assembly elections.While granting interim relief, the court directed Banerjee to appear before the investigating agency at 6 pm on Thursday for questioning in the matter. However, the protection order ensures that no coercive action can be taken against him for the time being.The high court also observed that Banerjee cannot be compelled to produce the allegedly forged document. It said the investigating agency must obtain the document through the legal process of search and seizure rather than requiring him to submit it.
What is the case about?
After the TMC’s defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections, two factions emerged within the party, one backing Abhishek Banerjee, and another led by rebel MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha.Abhishek Banerjee wrote to the Assembly Speaker recommending senior leader Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as Leader of the Opposition. A resolution purportedly signed by about 70 TMC MLAs was submitted to the Assembly Secretariat.On May 27, the two rebel MLAs told the Speaker that there was no meeting or resolution on May 6. They said they were only asked to sign a book on May 19, not any resolution. They also pointed out that at least 14 signatures were written in block letters rather than real cursive handwriting.The Assembly Secretariat filed an FIR. The case was later transferred to the CID. The CID has questioned at least 13 TMC MLAs, and at least three lawmakers have said the signatures linked to them are not real.Banerjee was summoned three times, on June 1, June 8 and June 9, but did not appear. His legal team said he was sick and in Delhi.On June 9, CID searched the TMC office located on the same premises as Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence. Party leaders initially refused entry, leading to a brief standoff, but the search eventually went ahead.
