LoP row The Calcutta high court on Tuesday sought clarity on the powers of the West Bengal Assembly Speaker while hearing an unprecedented dispute over the appointment of the Leader of Opposition (LoP), a controversy stemming from rival claims within the Trinamool Congress (TMC).Justice Krishna Rao was hearing a plea challenging the recognition of rebel MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as LoP instead of Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, the nominee backed by the Mamata Banerjee-led faction.Court seeks clarity on Speaker’s powersDuring the hearing, Justice Rao questioned how the Speaker should proceed when two conflicting proposals for the LoP post are submitted by the same political party.The court also asked whether the Speaker can ignore the recommendation of the largest opposition party and appoint another member without first hearing all concerned parties, PTI reported.Representing the Speaker, Additional Advocate General Billwadal Bhattacharya argued that the issue was unprecedented and said it was the first time in the Assembly’s history that the appointment of the LoP had become contentious.Signature dispute complicates the matterThe Speaker’s counsel informed the court that TMC MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha had alleged that their signatures on a resolution backing Chattopadhyay were forged.Following the complaint on May 27, the matter was referred to the CID for investigation.Bhattacharya further submitted that the Speaker later received another document carrying the signatures of 58 TMC MLAs supporting Banerjee as LoP and Saha as chief whip.The matter is scheduled to be heard again on Wednesday.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOperation Tiger Nears Final Stage: Shinde Camp Says 7 Sena UBT MPs May Switch Before Session’Not Scared’: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke Blames RSS Over Jaipur protest assaultAnti-Defection Law: Can Two-Thirds Of TMC MPs Override Their Party And Claim A Merger?Drills, Checks, Surveillance: J&K Sees Massive Security Boost Ahead Of Amarnath Yatra 2026LRLACM Tested: How India’s 1,500 km Cruise Missile Shifts the Balance With Pakistan and ChinaFrom Fuel To Food Prices: Why The US-Iran Peace Agreement Matters For India?BJP Prepares for Possible Early Elections in Key States Ahead of Census Exercise | WatchGovernment Restricts Telegram, Disables Message Editing Ahead Of NEET-UG 2026 Re-ExamPunjab CM Responds to Akal Takht Verdict, Denies Link to Viral VideoPriyank Kharge Asks RSS To Register, Reveal Finances And Tax Records In Letter To Mohan Bhagwat123Photostories5 warning signs of stress are hijacking your decision-making ability, according to a psychologistIn photos: The timeless of beauty of Ladakh in summer seasonAmeesha Patel’s ‘Gadar’ anniversary lehenga feels like a love letter to Bollywood’s golden eraVirat Kohli’s piggyback ride with daughter Akaay melts hearts: 7 lessons on mindful parenting from Virat and Anushka10 subtle signs you have high emotional intelligenceCan’t leave or stay? 4 warning signs you are in a trauma-bond relationshipLosing weight without trying? Your body could be sending an important health warning7 proven advantages of eating beetroot daily, and who should consider not eating itGeneral do’s and don’ts for your birth number7 desi ways to enjoy Oats for dinner during summer months123Hot PicksMohammad MohebiForm 16Strait of HormuzGreen Card Newsilia TopuriaNEET UG RE ExamNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Result PDFTelegram banFIFA World Cup 2026FIFA World Cup StandingsNagpur RapeITR Form 16CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Iran FIFA World Cup CoachWWE Star Bayley
The Calcutta high court on Tuesday sought clarity on the powers of the West Bengal Assembly Speaker while hearing an unprecedented dispute over the appointment of the Leader of Opposition (LoP), a controversy stemming from rival claims within the Trinamool Congress (TMC).Justice Krishna Rao was hearing a plea challenging the recognition of rebel MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as LoP instead of Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, the nominee backed by the Mamata Banerjee-led faction.Court seeks clarity on Speaker’s powersDuring the hearing, Justice Rao questioned how the Speaker should proceed when two conflicting proposals for the LoP post are submitted by the same political party.The court also asked whether the Speaker can ignore the recommendation of the largest opposition party and appoint another member without first hearing all concerned parties, PTI reported.Representing the Speaker, Additional Advocate General Billwadal Bhattacharya argued that the issue was unprecedented and said it was the first time in the Assembly’s history that the appointment of the LoP had become contentious.Signature dispute complicates the matterThe Speaker’s counsel informed the court that TMC MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha had alleged that their signatures on a resolution backing Chattopadhyay were forged.Following the complaint on May 27, the matter was referred to the CID for investigation.Bhattacharya further submitted that the Speaker later received another document carrying the signatures of 58 TMC MLAs supporting Banerjee as LoP and Saha as chief whip.The matter is scheduled to be heard again on Wednesday.
