The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday questioned the West Bengal government's decision to downgrade Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee's security cover from Z+ to X category, observing that the State had failed to produce any documents showing the considerations taken into account before reducing his security.

Justice Krishna Rao noted that although the decision to downgrade Banerjee's security had been taken on 10th May, the letter of consideration submitted by the state was dated 12th May. It was also noted that Banerjee had not been informed about the reduction in his security.

The Court also emphasised the need for adequate precautions in view of the possibility of physical injury during incidents such as stone pelting.

“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 was hearing a plea concerning the downgrade of Banerjee's security cover. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan appeared for Banerjee.

During the hearing, the Court noted that the State had not produced “any documents” demonstrating the basis or considerations on which the decision to downgrade his security from Z+ to X category had been taken.

The State sought time to file a report before the Court.

The Court indicated that it was willing to grant the State substantial time to place its report on record, but observed that Banerjee's Z+ security could meanwhile be restored.

Accordingly, state agreed for a short date, after which the court listed the matter on Wednesday.

Case: Abhishek Banerjee v State of West Bengal