The Supreme Court on Monday permitted Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for three weeks for medical treatment related to his eye condition. Following the court’s approval, Banerjee can travel abroad in September for the treatment.
During the hearing, the court observed that a person has the right to travel abroad for medical treatment and cannot be denied the choice of location or medical facility merely because the treatment is to be undertaken outside India.
The Supreme Court, however, directed Banerjee to provide detailed information related to his travel and proposed treatment. The information is to include his travel schedule, details of proposed flights, his place of stay abroad and the doctors who will provide the treatment. Details of the hospital or medical institution where he is scheduled to receive treatment must also be submitted to the court.
Banerjee had sought permission to travel abroad for treatment of his eye. According to the information presented in the case, he suffered an eye injury in a road accident in 2016 and has since required treatment for related medical problems.
The hearing also referred to a police case registered against Banerjee in West Bengal. The case was stated to relate to an alleged threatening statement made during campaigning for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Banerjee is the national general secretary of the TMC and a Lok Sabha MP. His request to travel abroad was considered against this legal background, with the Supreme Court granting permission for medical treatment subject to the submission of the required travel and treatment details.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, BJP leaders raised questions about Banerjee’s proposed foreign travel. BJP leaders expressed apprehension that permission to travel abroad could be used to remain outside the country.
West Bengal BJP leader and minister Agnimitra Paul reacted to the decision and claimed that caution should be exercised regarding foreign travel for medical treatment. She said that if Banerjee requires treatment, better medical facilities could also be made available to him at government hospitals in the state.
Paul also alleged that the permission to travel abroad could be part of an attempt to leave the country. These were political allegations, and the court’s order did not establish any such intention.
