Calcutta HC seeks Bengal govt report on Abhishek Banerjee Z-Plus security withdrawal
Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court has stepped in to question West Bengal's decision to strip TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee of his Z-Plus security cover — a downgrade that his counsel says was followed by five separate attacks, including one where an assailant allegedly carried a revolver. With the state citing only his Lok Sabha entitlement, Justice Krishan Rao wants answers by 13 October.
Key Takeaways
The Calcutta High Court on 6 October 2026 sought a report from the West Bengal government on withdrawing Z-Plus security from Abhishek Banerjee .
The security was downgraded from Z-Plus to 'X' category on 10 May 2026 , just after the state Assembly elections, leaving Banerjee with only two guards .
Banerjee's counsel alleged five attacks on the TMC leader after the downgrade, including one at an airport where an attacker reportedly had a revolver.
His offices at Diamond Harbour and Camac Street were also allegedly targeted.
Justice Krishan Rao questioned the state's urgency in downgrading the cover; next hearing is on 13 October 2026 .
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, directed the West Bengal government to submit a report explaining why it withdrew Z-Plus security cover from All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee — cover that had been in place since the previous Mamata Banerjee-led administration. The court has scheduled the next hearing for 13 October 2026.
Background: From Z-Plus to Two Guards
Abhishek Banerjee, who is also the nephew of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, had his security upgraded in successive phases — from 'Y' category in 2013 to 'Y Plus' in 2014, then to 'Z' category in 2015, and finally to 'Z Plus' in 2016. According to his legal counsel, this cover was abruptly withdrawn on 10 May 2026 — shortly after the state Assembly polls — with no prior notice and no explanation provided to Banerjee. His security was downgraded all the way to 'X' category, leaving him with just two security guards.
Attacks Cited After Security Downgrade
Banerjee's counsel told the court that the consequences of the downgrade were immediate and serious. Just 19 days after the security was pulled, Banerjee was reportedly attacked in Sonarpur, despite prior notification to authorities. His counsel said that only two Kolkata Police personnel were present, and the security was insufficient. The counsel further alleged four more separate attacks followed, including one at an airport where, according to the submission, an attacker was reportedly carrying a revolver. His offices at Diamond Harbour and Camac Street were also allegedly attacked. The counsel also referred to Banerjee's history of serious eye injuries.
What the Court Said
Justice Krishan Rao, presiding over the matter, questioned what the state government's urgency was in downgrading the security of the Diamond Harbour MP. After a detailed hearing, Justice Rao directed the West Bengal government to submit a detailed report on the decision. The court did not pass any interim order restoring the cover but signalled a close examination of the state's rationale.
State Government's Position
The West Bengal government's stated position, according to reports from the hearing, is that Banerjee was provided with security commensurate with his entitlement as a Lok Sabha member — and no more. The government has not publicly commented on the allegations of targeted attacks cited by his counsel.
What Comes Next
The matter is listed for its next hearing on 13 October 2026, by which time the state government is expected to file its report. The case carries broader political weight in a post-election West Bengal where the balance of power has shifted and the TMC finds itself in opposition for the first time in over a decade.
Point of View
Bureaucratic transfers, investigation pressure — as instruments of political payback after a change of government. That Abhishek Banerjee's Z-Plus cover was pulled within days of the Assembly results, without notice or stated reason, invites scrutiny regardless of one's political sympathies. The court's pointed question — what was the hurry? — signals that Justice Rao is not satisfied with the state's 'Lok Sabha entitlement' framing. If the attack allegations are substantiated on record, the state will face a harder question: whether the downgrade created a foreseeable security vacuum for a protected individual.
NationPress
6 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Calcutta High Court intervene in Abhishek Banerjee's security case?
The Calcutta High Court stepped in after Abhishek Banerjee moved a petition on 28 September 2026 seeking restoration of his Z-Plus security, which the West Bengal government withdrew on 10 May 2026 without notice. Justice Krishan Rao questioned the state's reasoning and directed it to submit a report.
When was Abhishek Banerjee's Z-Plus security withdrawn and why?
His Z-Plus security was withdrawn on 10 May 2026, shortly after the West Bengal Assembly elections. The state government's stated position is that he is entitled only to security commensurate with his status as a Lok Sabha member, not the enhanced cover provided under the previous administration.
What attacks on Abhishek Banerjee were mentioned in court?
His counsel cited five separate attacks following the security downgrade, beginning with an incident in Sonarpur just 19 days after the cover was withdrawn. Additional incidents included an attack at an airport where an assailant allegedly carried a revolver, as well as attacks on his Diamond Harbour and Camac Street offices.
What is the current security category of Abhishek Banerjee?
Abhishek Banerjee's security was downgraded to 'X' category, under which he has only two security guards, compared to the Z-Plus cover he previously held, which involves a significantly larger armed contingent.
When is the next hearing in the Calcutta HC security case?
The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for 13 October 2026, by which date the West Bengal government is required to submit its report to the court.
