Kolkata, 1 September (H.S.).

In compliance with a Calcutta High Court directive, the West Bengal Assembly has barred legislators and ministers from entering the House premises with personal security guards or armed escorts. A notice reflecting Speaker Biman Banerjee’s order was put up at the Assembly gates on Monday, declaring that no one other than the Chief Minister will be permitted to enter with security personnel.

The order stems from a case filed by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari last year. The dispute originated in August 2024, when Adhikari had a heated exchange with Trinamool MLA Tapan Chatterjee of Purbasthali North inside the House. Following the incident, BJP legislators demanded additional security arrangements from the Speaker, alleging that Trinamool MLAs could move freely with their guards inside the Assembly while opposition MLAs were denied similar protection. Adhikari petitioned the High Court questioning why central security forces assigned to BJP MLAs were restricted, while Trinamool leaders faced no such barrier.

During the hearing last Thursday, the High Court directed that uniform rules must apply to all legislators regarding entry with security personnel. Acting on the order, Speaker Banerjee said on Monday, “In accordance with the Calcutta High Court’s directive, no one apart from the Chief Minister will be allowed to enter the Assembly with security guards.”

The decision has drawn sharp objection from the Opposition. Suvendu Adhikari warned, “If the Chief Minister continues to enter with her guards, I will move the High Court again and file a contempt case against the Speaker.”

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh