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The Calcutta High Court has granted liberty to Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to install CCTV cameras outside of Adhikari's residence at their own 'security and risk assessment.' 

Justice Rajasekhar Mantha  is hearing an ongoing petition filed by Adhikari alleging security and privacy beach. In the last date of hearing, he primarily raised the following objections:

• The placement of the CCTV Cameras in the house of the Adhikari by the State policies is invading privacy of the Adhikari and his family.
• There is noise pollution in and around the residence of Adhikari as a consequence of 2 the loudspeakers blaring upto 2 a.m. in the morning.
• The political rallies occurring in and around the house of Adhikari are causing annoyance and obstructing peaceful residence.

Justice Mantha had asked State Police and CRPF to conduct a joint meeting regarding placing of CCTV. Justice Mantha noted that admittedly, the Adhikari is entitled to “Z” category security as mandatorily. To that extent he observed that the placing of CCTV Cameras is essentially and exclusively a matter within the purview of the authorities responsible for the security of Adhikari. Hence, the invasion of privacy by reason of the placement of the security cameras must be addressed by the CRPF. 

On Monday, Justice Mantha observed, 

"Learned counsel for the Union of India seeks time since, after a meeting held, fresh instructions are awaited.

This Court is of the view that the issue can put up at rest by granting liberty to the writ petitioner and the CRPF to place two CCTV cameras at the main gate as per their own security and risk assessment."

The Court specifically noted that 'state shall not be responsible.'

Matter is slated to be heard on 7th March, 2022. 

Suvendu Adhikari v. State of West Bengal & Ors.