Election petition case: HC unhappy with MP’s absence in court
The Statesman | 21 August 2025
The Calcutta High Court has warned Congress leader and MP Abhishek Banerjee that it may pass an ex-parte order against him if he fails to respond to an election petition challenging his 2024 Lok Sabha victory from Diamond Harbour.
The case, filed by BJP candidate Abhijit Das Bobby, alleges widespread malpractice and booth capturing during the polls. The matter, listed as EP/05/2024, came up before Justice Sugato Majumdar on Tuesday. Mr Banerjee’s counsel has already sought adjournments on three previous occasions but has yet to submit a written reply. On Tuesday, his lawyers again asked for more time, prompting sharp objections from senior advocate Bilwadal Bhattacharya, appearing for the petitioner.
Justice Majumdar initially proposed a fine of Rs 5,000 for the delay but later waived it. However, he set 28 August as the final deadline for Banerjee’s response, cautioning that failure to comply would lead to an ex-parte order. The court has already directed the Election Commission of India and the South 24-Parganas district magistrate to preserve all election-related records, including EVMs and CCTV footage. On Tuesday, the petitioner’s counsel pressed for forensic examination of these materials. The ECI’s counsel indicated the commission would oppose the move, prompting the judge to remark that its conduct raised “serious doubts” about its neutrality.