High Court Demands Protection for Opposition Leaders in West Bengal

The Calcutta High Court has mandated that the West Bengal government must protect opposition leaders from attacks. Suvendu Adhikari reported harassment and baseless cases. The court highlighted a specific attack and scheduled further PIL hearing in February. The state vows no action against Adhikari until the hearing date.

On Monday, the Calcutta High Court emphasized the necessity for the West Bengal government to safeguard opposition leaders from any form of attack. This directive follows the PIL filed by Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, who reported harassment through orchestrated cases and violent actions from thugs.

The Court's division bench, led by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, underscored the state's responsibility to prevent any assaults or aggression towards opposition figures. A renewed session for the PIL has been scheduled for February 18. Adhikari's counsel highlighted a purported assault on Adhikari's convoy at Chandrakona, Paschim Medinipur, on January 10, urging the court to direct state intervention against such incidents.

Last week, the state government assured a high court single bench that no coercive measures would be implemented against Adhikari until a subsequent hearing on February 19. Adhikari previously reported a criminal case filed against him with alleged fabricated charges.