Kolkata, Oct. 6 -- The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday questioned the basis on which the West Bengal government reduced Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee's security cover from Z+ to X category, stressing that the state must take adequate precautions against the possibility of physical injury during public incidents.
Justice Krishna Rao, hearing a petition challenging the reduction, noted that the state had so far failed to place on record documents showing the considerations that led to the decision. The court also flagged a discrepancy in the dates of the decision and the material relied upon by the government.
According to the court, the decision to downgrade Banerjee's security was taken on May 10, while the letter of consideration produced by the State was dated May 12. The court further noted that Banerjee had not been informed about the reduction in his security cover.
The judge also focused on the potential consequences of incidents such as stone pelting, observing that even an apparently minor act could cause serious physical injury depending on where a projectile strikes.
"Stone pelting is a minor offence, but if the stone hits any part of the body, then what? State has to take precautions," the court observed.
Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan appeared for Banerjee. The State sought time to submit its report. The court indicated that it could grant sufficient time, while suggesting that Banerjee's Z+ cover could meanwhile be restored.
The matter will be heard again on Wednesday.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.