BJP's Suvendu Adhikari Moves Calcutta High Court Challenging Notification Prohibiting Entry Of Central Security Forces Into WB Assembly

West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and the Chief Whip of the BJP have moved the Calcutta High Court challenging a notification issued by the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly prohibiting the entry of Central Security Forces into the premises of the Assembly over certain incidents which had occurred on the porch of the assembly.

Reportedly, on 6th May, when certain journalists were interviewing a Member of the house, they were assaulted by certain central security officers and were manhandled, leading to a letter written by them to the speaker of the house.

Upon receipt of the letter, the Speaker issued a notification barring central security officers from entering the premises of the house.

Senior Counsel for the petitioners submitted that while central security cover was given to legislators from the BJP, the MLAs of the ruling party were also provided security from state forces. Thus, it was submitted that the speaker's notification effectively stripped only BJP legislators of their security cover inside the house.

It was submitted that there were certain threat perceptions around Adhikari, who was the leader of the opposition, for which security cover would be integral.

It was further submitted that while MLAs from the ruling party would have security cover, only BJP MLAs would be deprived of their security, leading to a discriminatory situation. Thus, counsel prayed for central security forces to be allowed to enter the house. 

Accordingly, Justice Amrita Sinha posted the matter at a later date for further consideration.