Abhishek Banerjee receives relief from Supreme Court against media trial

The Supreme Court has granted permission to Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee to approach the Calcutta High Court regarding his application against media trials. The Supreme Court delivered this significant decision on Tuesday, 3 November, 2026.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana heard the matter. The Court stated that once the Calcutta High Court resumes functioning, Banerjee can present this matter for hearing. The High Court will reopen from 16 November after the Durga Puja and Diwali vacations, at which time the applicant can mention this matter for interim relief. The Court has instructed the High Court to consider Banerjee's application.

According to a report by The Hindu, Senior Advocate Shoaib Alam, appearing on behalf of Abhishek Banerjee, argued in court that the matter had been heard only once in the High Court. At that time, the applicant was informed that the roster was not available in the High Court. Alam further added that since then, he had mentioned the matter before the High Court three times, but the application has not been heard, leading to a continuous violation of his rights.

Advocate Alam also argued that the Supreme Court has held in several previous judgments that the presumption of innocence cannot be snatched away by a media trial. Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee has demanded in the Calcutta High Court that investigating agencies be restrained from sharing his personal information with media outlets. He alleged that selective leaks by investigating officers are tarnishing his image and could also affect the ongoing investigation against him.

Banerjee is currently under investigation in several cases. He alleged that investigating agencies are leaking details of searches, interrogations, and other legal proceedings to a section of the media, resulting in numerous news reports being published in various newspapers. He argued that such deliberate leaks by police officers are a violation of his rights to dignity, reputation, and a fair investigation under Article 21 of the Constitution. This could damage his public image and influence the investigation process. He has sought directions to prohibit media outlets from reporting or publishing news related to the ongoing investigation against him.

Abhishek Banerjee is a Trinamool Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP, who is currently facing various legal investigations.