How Will Police Ensure Security for Political Events of Opposition Leaders in Bengal?
Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court mandates West Bengal and Kolkata Police to guarantee security at political events for opposition leaders. This decision arises from concerns over violence during BJP events, raising questions about law enforcement's role in safeguarding democracy.
Key Takeaways
Calcutta High Court mandates police security for opposition events.
Suvendu Adhikari raises concerns over violence against BJP.
Next hearing set for February 18 .
Police instructed to ensure law and order .
Historical context of attacks on opposition leaders.
Kolkata, Feb 2 (NationPress) A division bench of the Calcutta High Court, on Monday, issued explicit directives to both the West Bengal Police and the Kolkata Police to guarantee comprehensive security for public political events of elected representatives from opposition parties.
The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, approached the Calcutta High Court in October of the previous year, requesting the court's intervention for a lasting solution to ensure that the public political events of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators and parliamentarians, including a few Union ministers of state, do not encounter unwarranted hostility and resistance from activists of the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Following the hearing, the division bench, comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, directed both the Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police to ensure total security for public political events of elected representatives from opposition parties.
The bench also mandated that the state and city police comply strictly with the court's directive until February 18, the date set for the next hearing.
In his petition, the LoP claimed that public political events of the BJP's elected representatives frequently face hostilities, violence, and resistance from the ruling Trinamool Congress activists.
Adhikari further alleged that such hostilities occurred despite prior notification to the police regarding the public political event. He contended in his petition that these incidents underscored the 'failure' of the police and the administration to maintain law and order in the state.
He highlighted that such occurrences have become commonplace since the conclusion of the last Assembly elections in 2021.
To recall, the convoy of the Leader of the Opposition himself has faced attacks multiple times, allegedly by ruling Trinamool Congress activists since 2021. Due to these attacks, the Union Home Ministry has enhanced Adhikari’s security.
Last year, the convoy of BJP Lok Sabha member Khagen Murmu and the chief whip of the BJP’s legislative party in the West Bengal Assembly, Sankar Ghosh, was also attacked, resulting in severe injuries that necessitated hospitalization for both.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the judiciary's role in safeguarding democratic processes. The Calcutta High Court's directive emphasizes the need for law enforcement to maintain order and security at political events, reflecting the broader commitment to uphold democratic values.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Calcutta High Court order regarding political events?
The court directed West Bengal and Kolkata Police to ensure comprehensive security for public political events of opposition leaders.
Who is Suvendu Adhikari?
Suvendu Adhikari is the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and has raised concerns about violence against BJP events.
When is the next hearing for this case?
The next hearing is scheduled for February 18.
What issues were raised in Adhikari's petition?
Adhikari's petition highlighted frequent hostilities, violence, and the failure of police to maintain law and order.
What incidents prompted the need for enhanced security?
The convoy of Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP members had faced attacks from ruling party activists since 2021.
