The Calcutta High Court refuses to grant an interim stay on Ritabrata Banerjee’s appointment as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in West Bengal. According to the reports, the court does not issue immediate relief while the matter is examined further. The articles state that the dispute relates to whether the Speaker acted within the scope of his powers in recognizing Banerjee as LoP.
Times of India additionally notes that the controversy involves issues raised within the legislative house and references an order by a lower court, indicating that the appointment has been challenged through multiple stages of litigation.
The Hindu reports that, even as it declines interim directions, the court calls for affidavits from all parties. This is to allow the court to consider the broader legal questions, including the extent of the Speaker’s authority in the process that led to Banerjee’s recognition as LoP. The decision therefore keeps the appointment in place for the time being, while procedural steps are taken for a fuller hearing on the merits.
