Calcutta High Court Orders ‘Absolute Security’ for Opposition Leaders After Suvendu Adhikari’s Plea Over Political Violence

It is a significant step by the West Bengal corridors of justice- a step which directly strikes to the very heart of democracy, political liberation and human security. A strong and clear order was issued on February 2, 2026, by the Calcutta High Court, which directed that all open political programmes of the leaders of the opposition parties in the state receive absolute security. The order was made following a petition that was filed by Suvendu Adhikari who claimed that there were frequent targeted and repetitive attacks and lack of action by the administration.

It was made clear by a division bench led by Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen that there is no need to emphasise the fact that the safety of political leaders should not be a matter of choice but rather a constitutional obligation of the state. We would like to highlight what the court said. The bench had instructed West Bengal Police as well as Kolkata Police to provide complete and continuous protection whenever there were political programme, political rally and any other situations in which there was a gathering of people and opposition leaders were engaged. Convoy protection was particularly pointed out by the court and it stated that political leaders, ministers, and Members of Parliament should be free to travel without fear, threats, or hindrance.

With the context in consideration, this order becomes weighty. Suvendu Adhikari mentioned some form of political violence in his petition where he said that although the information was being sent to the police, there were no or very weak security arrangements at all. An incident on January 10, 2026, was presented before the court, during which an alleged attack on the convoy of Adhikari and the pouring of kerosene, which he asserted was an effort to burn it down. These are not petty accusations. It is allegations of violent acts that are life threatening, and the court did not take them lightly. The bench also noted that law enforcement agencies cannot be mere observers.

The judges were categorical that police accountability is the key to democracy and this is the time when political temperatures are high with the elections approaching. The court ruled that state and city police were in strict adherence to the directions on security and should maintain such directions until further. To this legal struggle, another key interim relief was also registered by the court. It has referred to a previous commitment made by the State Government that no coercive measure against Suvendu Adhikari would be taken on the subject of cross-FIRs and political confrontations. This protection will be retained up to the next hearing date, which will be January 19, 2026. This decision has a strong message.

In a democratic state, one cannot be oppressed by fear or by force. Ideas should be used to battle political disagreement and not intimidation. The High Court has been able to intervene as a constitutional watchdog to remind the state machinery that law and order cannot be subjective. This order is going to become a hallmark as West Bengal approaches the 2026 Assembly elections, an election which will redefine how the political security, accountability and democratic rights are put into practise on the ground.