Supreme Court Refuses Abhishek Banerjee's Plea Against Media Reporting On Cases Against Him
Supreme Court refuses to adjudicate on merits of Banerjee's allegations or impose any restriction on media reporting.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to consider Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee's application seeking interim relief against media reporting on investigations and cases against him.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana permitted Banerjee to bring his plea to the Calcutta High Court's notice after it reopens on November 16, following the Durga Puja and Diwali vacations.
CJI Surya Kant led bench requested the High Court to consider his prayer for interim relief at the earliest.
Banerjee alleged that information relating to investigations against him was being disclosed to media organisations, resulting in a continuing media trial.
Senior Advocate Shoeb Alam, appearing for Banerjee, told the Supreme Court that his client had approached the Calcutta High Court in September seeking relief against such reporting which was not taken up for an urgent hearing.
Alam submitted that when the matter was initially placed before the High Court, the Bench indicated that it did not have the appropriate roster to hear it. He further told the Supreme Court that he had mentioned the matter before the High Court on three subsequent occasions, but the plea remained unheard.
Arguing that the alleged violation of his client's rights was continuing, Alam said reports concerning Banerjee were being published regularly. He also submitted that the presumption of innocence recognised in judicial precedents could not be undermined through media trials.
Banerjee sought directions to prevent the publication of reports concerning matters forming part of ongoing investigations against him. His plea also seeks relief against the alleged dissemination of investigation-related information.
The High Court has been asked to consider the request for interim relief in accordance with its judicial process.
Case Title: Abhishek Banerjee v. Union of India & Ors.
Bench: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana
Hearing Date: November 3, 2026