Senior Advocate Rebecca John, representing Banerjee, today pointed out that he is only seeking permission to travel abroard for a limited time for medical purposes. As a Member of Parliament (MP) holding a diplomatic passport, his movement is always tracked, she said. He has family here and has travelled abroad and returned to India several times, she said.
She urged the Court to grant him permission for such travel this time as well, adding that strict conditions can be imposed.
The Court, however, questioned whether it is absolutely essential that Banerjee’s eye treatment be received only abroad.
“There is another aspect. If this treatment can be administered in India, there is no need to go abroad. I will direct Department of Ophthalmology in SSKM – a three-member committee can check Banerjee and give a report. Whether you are ready to appear before SSKM board or no? If treatment is very urgent, it can be administered in our country also. In medical science, it is not like we (India) are lagging behind. We are also making advancements in medical science. Supreme Court judges are getting treated here in our country,” Justice Bhattacharya observed.
John countered that the TMC leader has been continuously availing medical treatment at a hospital abroad (John Hopkins). She said that it is a matter of choice as to where Banerjee wants to go for his eye treatment, and that continuity in medical treatment is always advisable. She also placed on record a report from John Hopkins, indicating the treatments earlier administered to Banerjee.
She added that Banerjee had earlier developed a eye condition after some treatment in India was not properly carried out. On instructions, John said that Banerjee’s application may be dismissed if the Court is not inclined to allow him to go abroad for the eye treatment.
