Calcutta High Court Mandates Security for Bengal Opposition Leaders' Convoys
The Calcutta High Court has issued a significant directive to the West Bengal government, ordering it to ensure proper safety measures for the convoys of opposition leaders. This ruling came in response to a petition filed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who alleged that opposition figures in the state have been systematically targeted and subjected to repeated acts of violence.
Court's Directive on State Responsibility
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen emphasized the state's duty to provide adequate protection. The bench stated, "Since the State has prayed for time, it shall be the duty of the state to ensure that in the meantime political leaders, ministers, MPs move in the area, they shall be given adequate protection in accordance with their entitlement." The state government had requested additional time as senior counsel was unavailable to argue the matter, with the next hearing scheduled for February 18.
Allegations of Targeted Attacks and Security Failures
The writ petition, originally filed in October 2025, claimed that despite following prescribed protocols and providing prior notifications to police authorities, opposition leaders' convoys and programs continued to face attacks. During previous hearings, Adhikari's counsel made serious allegations that police personnel, under the guise of "route lining," were orchestrating these assaults. The counsel further asserted that sensitive movement details of opposition leaders were being deliberately leaked, resulting in gatherings of antisocial elements who then attacked the convoys.
Recent Incidents Highlight Security Concerns
In January, Adhikari's convoy was allegedly attacked at Chandrakona while he was returning to Kolkata from Purulia. According to Adhikari's claims, the assault was carried out by activists affiliated with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). However, police filed a complaint against Adhikari, alleging he incited tension in the area. This prompted Adhikari to approach the Calcutta High Court seeking a CBI investigation into the matter.
Justice Suvra Ghosh granted interim protection from coercive police action against Adhikari in connection with a case registered at Chandrakona police station in West Midnapore district. The court directed that no coercive steps be taken against him until January 29.
Pattern of Violence Against Opposition Figures
This is not an isolated incident. In October 2025, BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Shankar Ghosh were attacked in Nagrakata, Jalpaiguri, while they were traveling to assist flood-affected individuals. Their vehicle was targeted with stones and bricks, resulting in severe head injuries for Murmu. The BJP alleged that the attackers had connections with the TMC, further highlighting what opposition parties describe as a concerning pattern of political violence in the state.
The Calcutta High Court's intervention underscores growing judicial concern about political security in West Bengal and places clear responsibility on the state administration to ensure the safety of all political figures, regardless of their party affiliations.
