Calcutta High Court refuses to stay recognition of Ritabrata Banerjee as West Bengal LoP

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday (June 18, 2026) declined to stay the decision of West Bengal Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose to recognise rebel Trinamool Congress MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of Opposition (LoP). The court, however, directed all parties to file affidavits to examine whether the Speaker acted within his powers.

Justice Krishna Rao, hearing a petition filed by Trinamool Congress MLA Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, said: “No prayer for interim relief is made out, the balance of convenience is not in favour of the petitioner.” The court refused to grant an interim stay on the appointment of Mr. Ritabrata Banerjee as LoP.

“This court did not find any prima facie case for grant of interim order. The interim order is refused,” Justice Rao said. The matter is next listed for hearing on July 28.

The High Court’s order came on the day the Budget session of the West Bengal Assembly began with an address by Governor R. N. Ravi. MLAs supporting Mr. Ritabrata Banerjee described the court order as a moral victory.

In the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress won 80 of the 294 seats. The party’s general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, sent a letter nominating Mr. Chattopadhyay as LoP. However, a group of MLAs led by Mr. Ritabrata Banerjee claimed their signatures on that letter were forged.

Following a formal complaint, Mr. Ritabrata Banerjee and another MLA, Sandipan Saha, were expelled from the party. On June 3, the Speaker appointed Mr. Ritabrata Banerjee as LoP, citing the support of 58 MLAs. Mr. Ritabrata Banerjee now claims the backing of 65 out of 80 Trinamool MLAs.

The West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is probing the allegations of signature fraud. Mr. Abhishek Banerjee has been questioned in connection with the case.