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The Calcutta High Court has refused to grant interim relief to the TMC in its challenge against the West Bengal Speaker’s decision
June 18, 2026: The Calcutta High Court on Thursday declined to grant interim relief to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in its challenge against West Bengal Assembly Speaker Rathindra Nath Bose’s decision recognising expelled party leader Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP). Justice Krishna Rao said the court did not find a prima facie case or balance of convenience to justify an interim order and refused the plea. The matter will now be heard after three weeks, with all parties directed to file affidavits.
The dispute emerged after a major rebellion within the TMC following the party’s loss of power in West Bengal. The Speaker had recognised 58 rebel legislators as the principal opposition group and appointed Ritabrata Banerjee as LoP and Sandipan Saha as Deputy LoP. The decision came despite the TMC nominating Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay for the post. Banerjee and Saha were expelled from the party shortly before the Speaker’s announcement.
Reacting to the court’s order, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh maintained that his party remained the real opposition and dismissed the significance of the Speaker’s decision. Meanwhile, Sandipan Saha described the ruling as a moral victory, arguing that the recognition reflected the support of 58 MLAs. BJP legislator Tarunjyoti Tewari also backed the decision, stating that legislative strength ultimately determines opposition leadership within the Assembly.