Kolkata, 08 June (H.S.) : The ongoing dispute over the post of Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly has reached the Calcutta High Court, further intensifying political tensions within the state legislature.

Veteran Trinamool Congress leader and Ballygunge MLA Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay has filed a petition challenging the Assembly’s decision to accord Leader of Opposition status to Ritabrata Banerjee. The petition was mentioned on Monday before Justice Krishna Rao by his counsel, Shishirnya Banerjee, who also sought urgent hearing of the matter.

The petitioner has alleged that the Speaker’s decision to grant the status was taken without proper backing or consensus from the concerned political party. The plea questions the legality and procedural validity of the appointment.

Taking note of the submission, the court has directed that the matter be listed for hearing on June 11. The court also instructed the petitioner to serve notices to all relevant parties involved in the case.

Chattopadhyay, a senior Trinamool Congress legislator, approached the High Court on Monday challenging both the recognition of Ritabrata Banerjee as Leader of Opposition and the procedural decision associated with it.

The case adds a new dimension to the political and institutional debate surrounding legislative roles in the West Bengal Assembly.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh