The Calcutta High Court on Thursday orally remarked that a legal conflict between a state's Governor and Chief Minister is undesirable.

Justice Krishna Rao, presiding as a single judge bench, made this observation while hearing a defamation suit filed by West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and three others last year.

Emphasizing the need for resolution through dialogue, Justice Rao noted that such disputes could be amicably settled over mutual discussions, even suggesting a "Chai Pe Charcha" approach.

Acknowledging the suggestion, the Chief Minister's counsel requested that it be included in the day's directions. However, Justice Rao clarified that it was a verbal remark, and a formal written direction could be considered later.

During the proceedings, senior Trinamool Congress MP and counsel for the Chief Minister argued that political figures should exercise greater restraint in sensitive matters. He also questioned the necessity of the Governor filing a suit, given the constitutional protections associated with the office.

In response, the Governor’s counsel, Dhiraj Trivedi, contended that the gubernatorial position is apolitical.

The dispute traces back to a controversy surrounding the oath-taking ceremony of two newly-elected Trinamool legislators—Sayantika Banerjee from Baranagar (North 24 Parganas) and Reyat Houssen Sarkar from Bhagabangola (Murshidabad). Governor Bose had insisted they take their oath at the Raj Bhavan, whereas the legislators, backed by Chief Minister Banerjee, maintained that the ceremony should take place at the West Bengal Assembly.

As tensions escalated, several Trinamool leaders, including the Chief Minister, the two legislators, and party General Secretary Kunal Ghosh, made statements critical of the Governor. This prompted Governor Bose to file a defamation suit at the Calcutta High Court, with the Chief Minister named as the first respondent.