The Calcutta High Court questioned the West Bengal government’s decision to downgrade Trinamool Congress leader and MP Abhishek Banerjee’s security cover from Z+ to X category, observing that the State had failed to produce documents demonstrating the basis for the decision.

Justice Krishna Rao emphasised the need for precautionary measures in view of reported incidents of stone pelting and other alleged attacks on the petitioner. “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.

The Court noted that while the security downgrade was stated to have taken effect on May 10, the State had submitted a letter explaining the decision dated May 12. It also noted that Banerjee had allegedly not been informed about the reduction in his security cover.

Appearing for Banerjee, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan and Advocate Nipun Saxena challenged the downgrade and submitted that the leader had faced multiple incidents of alleged attacks after his security was reduced. He sought restoration of the Z+ security cover.

The Centre submitted that threat assessments and security arrangements fall within the State’s domain, as law and order is a State subject. The West Bengal government, meanwhile, submitted that security reviews had been conducted and that the assessment supported the existing X-category cover.

The State was given time to explain its decision. The Court directed the State government to file a detailed report addressing the circumstances surrounding the downgrade and the steps taken in response to the alleged incidents. The matter was listed for further hearing on October 13, 2026.