Kolkata, July 10 -- The Calcutta High Court on Friday directed Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee to appear before the jurisdictional magistrate on July 15 at noon for recording of his voice sample in connection with the alleged 'DJ remark' case, while directing police to ensure he is not subjected to egg pelting or any other harassment during his appearance.

The direction came after Banerjee sought to withdraw his criminal revision petition challenging the magistrate's order directing collection of his voice sample. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya allowed the plea and dismissed the revision as withdrawn, while asking Banerjee to comply with the court's earlier order of May 21 granting him interim protection from coercive action subject to his cooperation with the investigation.

During the hearing, the judge expressed displeasure over Banerjee's failure to respond to three summonses despite enjoying interim protection. Observing that "there should be a limit to everything", the court cautioned that continued non-cooperation could lead to recall of the protection order and dismissal of the proceedings with exemplary costs. The judge also questioned the filing of a separate criminal revision before a coordinate Bench instead of raising the issue in the pending writ petition.

Banerjee's counsel, Ayan Bhattacharjee, submitted that his client's decision not to appear before the magistrate earlier was based on incorrect legal advice and accepted responsibility for it. The defence maintained that Banerjee does not dispute that the voice in question is his and had challenged the magistrate's order as legally unsustainable.

The case relates to Banerjee's alleged remarks made at a public meeting in Baguihati ahead of the Assembly elections.

Another complaint lodged at Rabindranagar P.S over alleged negligence at 'Sebaashray'. Maheshtala resident Malati Biswas alleged that treatment received after attending the camp eventually led to the amputation of her leg.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.