New Delhi, 10 August (H.S.): The Supreme Court on Monday permitted Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for specialised treatment of his eye condition.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant passed the order, observing that every citizen has the right to travel abroad and seek medical treatment of their choice.
Banerjee had approached the Supreme Court seeking permission to travel overseas for his eye treatment after the Calcutta High Court declined to grant him such permission.
The Calcutta High Court had dismissed Banerjee’s plea on July 20, asking him to undergo treatment at Kolkata’s state-run SSKM Hospital before seeking treatment abroad.
Challenging the High Court’s decision, Banerjee told the Supreme Court that the specialised treatment required for his condition was not currently available in India and, therefore, he should be permitted to travel overseas.
The TMC MP is facing proceedings in connection with an alleged inflammatory speech case registered during the recent West Bengal Assembly elections.
The Supreme Court, while considering his plea, allowed Banerjee to travel abroad for the required medical treatment, providing relief to the TMC leader in the matter.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
