Fresh setback for Mamata Banerjee: Calcutta HC refuses to stay rebel TMC MP Ritabrata Banerjee's appointment as LoP

NEW DELHI: In a fresh setback for TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, the Calcutta high court on Thursday refused to grant interim relief in a plea challenging the appointment of rebel TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as leader of opposition in the West Bengal assembly, allowing the Speaker's decision to remain in force pending further hearings.Justice Krishna Rao declined to pass any interim order in the matter, allowing the Speaker's decision to remain in force until further hearings.The petition challenged the recognition of Ritabrata Banerjee as leader of opposition by the West Bengal legislative assembly speaker, instead of Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, who was the choice of TMC chief Mamata Banerjee.The court directed the parties to complete the exchange of affidavits before the next hearing.

Justice Rao asked the respondents to file their affidavit-in-opposition within three weeks, while the petitioner has been granted two weeks thereafter to file a reply.The matter is scheduled to be heard next on July 28.With the high court refusing to stay the Speaker's decision, Ritabrata Banerjee will continue to serve as the recognised leader of opposition pending the outcome of the case. (With inputs from agencies)