Calcutta HC reserves order on Abhishek Banerjee's Z-Plus security plea
Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court has reserved its order on Abhishek Banerjee's plea to restore his Z-Plus security after the BJP-led West Bengal government stripped it following their rise to power. With the judge signalling the court could demand explanations over a missing security review — and amid claims of assassination attempts — the ruling could set a significant precedent for state discretion over political figures' security.
Key Takeaways
Calcutta High Court reserved its order on Abhishek Banerjee's Z-Plus security restoration plea on 12 November 2026 .
The matter was heard before a single-judge vacation bench of Justice Krishna Rao .
Abhishek, TMC General Secretary and Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha MP, had held Z-Plus cover since 2014 under the previous TMC state government.
The BJP -led West Bengal government withdrew the Z-Plus cover and replaced it with standard Lok Sabha MP security protocol.
The state government argued in court that security category decisions are its sole prerogative and require no judicial explanation.
Justice Rao indicated the court could seek explanations if a security review was never conducted, despite claimed attacks on the petitioner.
The Calcutta High Court on Thursday, 12 November 2026, reserved its order on a petition filed by All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary and Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee, seeking restoration of his 'Z-Plus' security cover. The matter was heard before a single-judge vacation bench of Justice Krishna Rao, who concluded the hearing and held the judgment in reserve.
Background: How the Security Was Withdrawn
Abhishek Banerjee, who is also the nephew of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, had been accorded Z-Plus security by the previous TMC-led state government ever since he was first elected as the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha MP in 2014. Following the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s assumption of power in the state, however, his Z-Plus cover was withdrawn and replaced with the standard security protocol applicable to all sitting Lok Sabha members.
Why Abhishek Knocked on the Court's Door
The Diamond Harbour MP approached the Calcutta High Court arguing that his Z-Plus cover should be restored in light of what he described as multiple assassination attempts made against him in the recent past. His counsel contended that until a formal review of his security requirements was conducted, the Z-Plus category should remain in place as an interim measure.
Key Arguments Aired During the Hearing
During Thursday's hearing, Justice Rao raised pointed questions about the state administration's role in conducting a security review and about the subsequent allegations of attacks on the petitioner. The state government, in its submission, maintained that decisions on security categories fall squarely within its prerogative and that the administration was not obliged to justify such decisions before the court.
Justice Rao, however, indicated that while the court would not prescribe which security tier should be assigned to any individual, it could seek explanations if the petitioner claimed he had been attacked and that his security needs had never been formally reassessed. Notably, the bench's line of questioning signals that procedural fairness — specifically whether a review was conducted — could be central to the final order.
What Happens Next
With the judgment now reserved, all eyes are on Justice Krishna Rao's forthcoming ruling, which will determine whether the state government must at minimum review Abhishek Banerjee's security requirements or whether its discretion remains unchecked. The case has broader implications for the political standoff between the TMC and the BJP-led West Bengal government, touching on questions of personal security as a tool of political contest.
Point of View
But whether the BJP-led state government conducted any formal review before downgrading his cover — a process distinction the bench appeared alive to. This case sits squarely at the intersection of political rivalry and constitutional protection of legislators, a space Indian courts have historically been reluctant to fully enter. If Justice Rao rules that a review was mandatory, it could constrain future state governments of any stripe from using security reclassification as a political instrument.
NationPress
12 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abhishek Banerjee file a petition in the Calcutta High Court?
Abhishek Banerjee filed the petition seeking restoration of his Z-Plus security cover, which was withdrawn after the BJP came to power in West Bengal. He cited multiple alleged assassination attempts in the recent past as grounds for requiring enhanced security.
Why was Abhishek Banerjee's Z-Plus security withdrawn?
His Z-Plus cover had been granted by the previous TMC-led state government in West Bengal after he became the Diamond Harbour MP in 2014. Following the BJP's assumption of power in the state, the cover was revoked and replaced with the standard security entitlement for Lok Sabha members.
What did the West Bengal government argue in court?
The state government submitted that decisions on security categories are entirely within its prerogative and that it is not bound to explain such decisions to the court. It maintained that the administration has the authority to determine security tiers without judicial direction.
What was Justice Krishna Rao's position during the hearing?
Justice Rao indicated that while the court would not direct which security category should be assigned to anyone, it could seek explanations from the state if the petitioner claimed he had been attacked and his security requirements had never been formally reviewed.
What is the current status of the case?
The hearing was concluded on 12 November 2026 and Justice Krishna Rao has reserved the order. The ruling is expected to determine whether the state government must review Abhishek Banerjee's security requirements before any final decision on his cover is taken.
