Kolkata| 25th October 25:
In a major legal development, the Calcutta High Court on Friday revoked the interim protection granted to BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, paving the way for the West Bengal Police to register fresh FIRs against him without seeking prior approval from the court.
The single-judge bench of Justice Jay Sengupta observed that the protection earlier extended to Adhikari was purely interim in nature and could not continue indefinitely. The court clarified that the state government now has the liberty to initiate new criminal proceedings, including the registration of fresh FIRs, as per law.
Background/Details of the Case:
In December 2022, the Calcutta High Court had granted Suvendu Adhikari protection from coercive action by the state authorities, following a series of FIRs filed against him soon after the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. The court had then directed that no new FIRs could be registered against him without the court’s prior permission.
The BJP leader, who represents Nandigram constituency and is known for his high-profile defection from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had alleged that multiple FIRs were being lodged against him as part of political vendetta by the ruling state government.
Court’s Observation:
During the latest hearing, Justice Sengupta noted that “no protective order can be perpetual in nature,” adding that the state authorities must be allowed to perform their statutory duties within the ambit of law.
The bench also pointed out that several of the earlier FIRs registered against Adhikari had already been quashed by the court for lack of evidence or procedural lapses. However, the order makes it clear that the withdrawal of protection does not imply guilt and that Adhikari remains entitled to seek legal remedies if new FIRs are filed.
Political Reactions:
The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) welcomed the verdict, calling it a step toward “accountability and transparency.” Party spokespersons said that no one, regardless of political position, should be above the law.
The BJP, on the other hand, criticized the development, claiming that it reflected “continuing misuse of state machinery” against opposition leaders. BJP sources indicated that Adhikari’s legal team may challenge the order in a higher court.
What Lies Ahead:
With this order, the West Bengal government now has the power to pursue or reopen investigations into alleged cases involving the BJP leader. Legal experts say the decision could have significant political implications, especially as the state heads into another round of civic and panchayat elections.
The Calcutta High Court’s latest directive marks the end of nearly two years of judicial protection for Suvendu Adhikari — a protection that had effectively shielded him from any new criminal proceedings initiated by the state police.
