Calcutta High Court Directs State To Install CCTV Cameras At Main Entrance Of BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari's Residence

The Calcutta High Court on Monday directed the State government to install two CCTV cameras at the main gate of the residence of BJP MLA and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. 

The Court issued the direction while addressing a plea moved by Adhikari alleging that the State government has failed to provide him with adequate security measures and that taking advantage of the loopholes in the security arrangements third parties are continuously infringing upon his privacy.

Justice Rajasekhar Mantha on Monday directed, 

"This Court is of the view that the issue can put up at rest by granting liberty to the writ petitioner and the CRPF to place two CCTV cameras at the main gate as per their own security and risk assessment."

However, the Court underscored that the State shall not be responsible. 

The counsel appearing for the Central government also apprised the Court that a meeting had been held pursuant to the Court's earlier directions however fresh instructions are awaited.

On the last date of hearing, Justice Mantha had underscored, "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." 

The Court had also directed the CRPF and the State Police to conduct a joint meeting to address the concern regarding placement of the security cameras causing a hindrance to the privacy of the petitioner. "The placing of CCTV Cameras is essentially and exclusively a matter within the purview of the authorities responsible for the security of the petitioner. The invasion of privacy by reason of the placement of the security cameras must be addressed by the CRPF. The placement of the CCTV Cameras and petitioner's privacy shall be addressed, in a joint meeting between CRPF and the State police", the Court had ordered. 

It may be noted that the High Court back in July 2021 had ruled that the security arrangement of Adhikari was being well-maintained according to the scale of Z category protectee as per the "Yellow Book" by the Government of West Bengal. The Bench of Justice Shivakant Prasad was hearing the plea of Adhikari seeking the State's response as to why his security cover was withdrawn on May 18, 2021.

The matter is slated to be heard next on March 7. 

Case Title: Suvendu Adhikari v. State of West Bengal & Ors

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