The Calcutta High Court on Thursday refused interim relief against the West Bengal Assembly Speaker’s decision to recognise expelled TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of Opposition. Justice Krishna Rao heard Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay’s plea challenging the appointment, citing party recommendation issues.
The Calcutta High Court reserved its order on a plea challenging the appointment of rebel TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of Opposition, questioning the Speaker’s authority to ignore the party’s recommendation of Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay.
The Calcutta High Court questioned the procedure followed in recognising the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, asking whether the Speaker can ignore the largest opposition party’s proposal and recognise another claimant amid rival LoP claims.
The Calcutta High Court is examining the legality of recognising rebel TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. Hearing Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay’s challenge, the Court directed that the Speaker’s recognition order be placed on record and scheduled further hearing for June 16.
The Trinamool Congress moved the Calcutta High Court challenging Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose’s decision recognising rebel MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of the Opposition instead of Sovandeb Chattopadhyay. The Court has scheduled the matter for hearing on June 11 amid escalating political tensions.
