Supreme Court allows Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for eye treatment

The Supreme Court on Monday (August 10, 2026) permitted Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for three weeks for eye treatment while noting that every individual has a right to travel abroad and choose the medical assistance he wants to receive.

A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant was hearing a petition filed by Mr. Banerjee against a Calcutta High Court order refusing a restriction imposed on him to travel abroad. The travel restriction was imposed on him in a case concerning an alleged provocative remark made during the 2026 State Assembly election campaign while staying his arrest.

Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, for the State of West Bengal, said Mr. Banerjee had 16 criminal cases arraigned against him, and there was a probability he may flee. The law officer said there were enough medical facilities for him in India and he need not go abroad.