Did the Calcutta HC Just Cancel Mukul Roy's Membership from the West Bengal Assembly?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking decision, the Calcutta High Court has annulled Mukul Roy's membership in the West Bengal Assembly, raising significant questions about party loyalty and political maneuvering. As the state gears up for crucial elections, this ruling could have lasting implications for party dynamics and governance in West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
- Mukul Roy's Assembly membership has been annulled.
- The ruling may influence party loyalty in future elections.
- The Calcutta High Court emphasized constitutional integrity.
- No by-election will occur for the Krishnanagar (Uttar) seat.
- The Speaker's initial decision was overturned.
Kolkata, Nov 13 (NationPress) In a significant ruling, a division bench of the Calcutta High Court, on Thursday, annulled the membership of Mukul Roy from the West Bengal Assembly.
Roy, who previously served as the General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress, switched allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prior to the 2021 West Bengal elections and won as a BJP candidate from the Krishnanagar (Uttar) Assembly constituency in Nadia district.
However, shortly after the election results were announced and the Trinamool Congress secured a historic third term with a significant majority, he rejoined the party.
Despite his shift back to Trinamool Congress, he did not formally resign from the Assembly and continued to serve as a BJP legislator.
The Assembly Speaker, Biman Bandopadhyay, dismissed the BJP's request to revoke Roy's membership, asserting that his status as a BJP candidate meant his membership was secure.
Moreover, Roy was appointed Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), a role typically assigned to an MLA from the primary opposition.
Subsequently, the BJP appealed to the Calcutta High Court to annul Roy's membership as a legislator for the Krishnanagar (Uttar) constituency.
After extensive deliberation, the division bench consisting of Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Md. Shabbar Rashidi ruled on Thursday to revoke Roy's Assembly membership.
The court's decision also overturned the earlier ruling by the Speaker to maintain Roy's membership.
Given that West Bengal is approaching pivotal Assembly elections next year, there will be no by-election in the Krishnanagar (Uttar) constituency during this interim period.
In response to the court's decision, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and senior BJP figure, Suvendu Adhikari, expressed that while the judgment was delayed, it ultimately upheld the truth.
Adhikari stated, "This judgment by the court not only preserves the integrity of the Constitution, particularly the Tenth Schedule, but also highlights the biased stance of the Assembly Speaker in defection cases. I wholeheartedly welcome this historic ruling," in a social media post.
Nevertheless, there has been no comment from the Trinamool Congress or the Speaker regarding this development.
Point of View
The ruling by the Calcutta High Court underscores the importance of party allegiance and integrity in a democratic system. As political parties navigate complex loyalties, this case highlights the judiciary's role in maintaining constitutional principles. The outcome could influence future political alignments ahead of the upcoming elections.
NationPress
14/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the cancellation of Mukul Roy's membership?
Mukul Roy's membership was annulled by the Calcutta High Court due to his shifting allegiances between the Trinamool Congress and BJP, raising questions about party loyalty.
What is the significance of this court ruling?
This ruling emphasizes the judiciary's role in upholding constitutional integrity and could impact party dynamics in West Bengal ahead of upcoming elections.
Will there be a by-election for Krishnanagar (Uttar)?
No, there will be no by-election for the Krishnanagar (Uttar) constituency during the interim period as West Bengal approaches crucial Assembly elections.
How did the Speaker of the Assembly respond?
The Assembly Speaker initially rejected the BJP's plea to cancel Roy's membership, claiming that his status as a BJP candidate protected his position.
What has been the reaction from political leaders?
BJP Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, welcomed the court's judgment, stating it upheld the truth and constitutional values.
