Bengal Assembly Bars Entry of Security Guards of Ministers, MLAs Inside Premises

PTI, Kolkata, Sep 1, 2025 : The West Bengal Legislative Assembly, on Monday, issued a directive barring security personnel accompanying MLAs and ministers from entering the House premises, according to Speaker Biman Banerjee.

In a formal notice, Banerjee clarified that no legislator, except the Chief Minister, will be allowed to enter the Assembly premises with security guards or weapons. The decision follows an incident where journalists were allegedly assaulted by CRPF personnel assigned to the security of Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari when they attempted to interact with him inside the Assembly portico.

Banerjee elaborated on the incident, stating, "Insulted by the assault, reporters wrote to me in that regard, after which I decided to bar the entry of security guards of central forces and CRPF inside the Assembly."

Following the incident, the Opposition moved the Calcutta High Court, challenging the decision. Banerjee acknowledged this development, stating, "There is a general order of the Calcutta High Court that everybody should be treated alike. I have requested ministers and MLAs to follow the HC directive. The CM's status is different from others, so we have decided to exempt her from this."

In response to the notice issued on Monday, Adhikari warned of legal action if the Chief Minister is allowed to enter the Assembly premises with security guards. He said, "If the CM enters the Assembly with security personnel, I will approach the Calcutta High Court and file a contempt case against the Speaker."