On Friday, the Calcutta High Court directed the police not to obstruct the leader of the opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, from meeting with Governor C.V. Ananda Bose. Adhikari plans to visit the governor with individuals who have reportedly experienced atrocities following the general election notification.

Justice Amrita Sinha instructed Adhikari to submit a new application to the police specifying the time of his visit to Raj Bhavan, as well as providing the names and contact information of individuals intending to accompany him.

Adhikari is also required to notify the police regarding the number of vehicles he will be using and their designated parking locations.

“After receiving all the information, the police will ensure that the opposition leader can visit the governor.”, the court said.

The order was issued in response to a petition filed by Adhikari, who claimed that despite approval from Governor Bose's office on Thursday, the police prevented him from entering Raj Bhavan to meet Bose.

Advocate Biswaroop Bhattacharya, representing Adhikari, argued that as the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Adhikari has the right to meet the governor at any given time.

“Ruling party members can stage demonstrations in front of the Raj Bhavan gate. But when the leader of the Opposition and members of his party assembled there, police arrested them saying that area is under Section of the 144 CrPC,” claimed Bhattacharya.

Advocate General Kishore Datta, representing the state, argued that Adhikari and his companions were prevented from meeting Bose due to security concerns. Datta explained that, according to the rules, the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly is required to inform the police about his movements.

“But about the particular programme, police were not informed in advance. Moreover, Adhikari and his men declined to vacate the road when they were asked to do so, for the movement of a police officer,” Datta informed the court.

After hearing both sides, Justice Sinha issued the order.