In a fresh setback for Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee, the Calcutta high court on Thursday refused to grant interim relief in a plea challenging the appointment of rebel TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as leader of opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal assembly. The court allowed the Speaker's decision to remain in force pending further hearings.
Court's Decision
Justice Krishna Rao declined to pass any interim order in the matter, permitting the Speaker's decision to stay effective until the next hearing. The petition had contested the recognition of Ritabrata Banerjee as LoP by the West Bengal legislative assembly speaker, instead of Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, who was the choice of TMC chief Mamata Banerjee.
Next Steps
The court directed the parties to complete the exchange of affidavits before the next hearing. Justice Rao instructed the respondents to file their affidavit-in-opposition within three weeks, while the petitioner has been granted two weeks thereafter to file a reply. The matter is scheduled to be heard next on July 28.
With the high court refusing to stay the Speaker's decision, Ritabrata Banerjee will continue to serve as the recognised leader of opposition pending the outcome of the case. This development marks another legal hurdle for Mamata Banerjee, who has been at odds with the rebel faction within her party.
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