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The Calcutta High Court on Thursday observed that Leader of Opposition in the State is entitled to the same privileges as that of a Cabinet Minister. 

The Court was dealing with a list of complaints filed by Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari against the state government. He has primarily raised the following objections:

• The placement of the CCTV Cameras in the house of the Adhikari by the State policies is invading privacy of the Adhikari and his family.
• There is noise pollution in and around the residence of Adhikari as a consequence of 2 the loudspeakers blaring upto 2 a.m. in the morning.
• The political rallies occurring in and around the house of Adhikari are causing annoyance and obstructing peaceful residence.

Justice Rajsekhar Mantha noted that admittedly, the Adhikari is entitled to “Z” category security as mandatorily. To that extent he observed that the placing of CCTV Cameras is essentially and exclusively a matter within the purview of the authorities responsible for the security of Adhikari. Hence, the invasion of privacy by reason of the placement of the security cameras must be addressed by the CRPF. Justice Mantha, thus ordered the State Police and CRPF to conduct a joint meeting regarding placing of CCTV.

In regards to loudspeakers and noise pollution, the Court ordered that there shall be no loudspeakers in and around the residence of Adhikari after 8 p.m.. As for the political rallies, meetings and functions, the State has been directed to come up with appropriate instructions and/or suggestions.

The Court concluded that "the respondents shall bear in mind that the petitioner is the Leader of Opposition in the State and is entitled to the same privileges as that of a Cabinet Minister."

Matter is adjourned till February 8, 2022. 

Cause Title: Suvendu Adhikari vs State of West Bengal