The Calcutta High Court on Thursday granted interim protection from arrest and other coercive action to Abhishek Banerjee in a case involving allegations of forgery of legislators' signatures on a resolution concerning the appointment of the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.

Justice Justice Kausik Chanda, however, directed Banerjee to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) by 6 PM on Thursday and cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. The Court further clarified that he must join the probe whenever required by the investigating agency.

Banerjee, who serves as the General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress, approached the High Court last week after several party MLAs alleged that their signatures had been forged on a resolution related to the selection of the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly.

During the hearing, Banerjee's counsel sought protection from arrest while assuring the Court that his client would cooperate with the investigation. Accepting the submission, the Court granted interim relief and restrained the authorities from taking coercive action against him at this stage.

The controversy comes amid political turmoil within the Trinamool Congress following its recent defeat to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the West Bengal Assembly elections. The allegations regarding forged signatures have further intensified the political dispute surrounding leadership issues within the party.

While granting protection, the High Court emphasized that the investigation must continue unhindered and directed Banerjee to cooperate with the CID as and when summoned.

The matter has been listed for further hearing after two weeks.