West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose’s defamation suit against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be heard by the Calcutta High Court today(on 3rd July), following controversial remarks made by Banerjee. The case, filed on June 28, has attracted significant public and media attention.
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KOLKATA: The defamation suit filed by West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to be heard by the Calcutta High Court on Today(on 3rd July). The lawsuit, which has garnered substantial public and media attention, stems from comments made by Banerjee that have sparked a heated controversy.
Governor Bose filed the defamation case on June 28, following Banerjee’s public remarks made a day earlier. During an administrative meeting in the state secretariat on June 27,
Banerjee claimed that –
“Women have expressed to her that they fear visiting Raj Bhavan due to recent reported incidents.”
This statement has been at the center of the dispute, leading Bose to seek legal redress.
The high court’s website has listed the defamation suit for hearing before the bench of Justice Krishna Rao on Wednesday. This upcoming hearing is anticipated to be a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict between the state’s governor and its chief minister.
Governor Bose stressed the importance of public representatives acting responsibly and refraining from making “misleading and defamatory statements” in response to Banerjee’s comments. He underscored the significant harm such remarks could inflict, affecting both personal reputations and the credibility of public institutions.
The controversy traces back to an incident on May 2, when a contractual woman employee of Raj Bhavan alleged that she had been molested by Governor Bose. This serious accusation prompted the Kolkata Police to initiate an enquiry, adding fuel to the already simmering tensions between the governor and the chief minister.
The legal complexities of this case are underscored by Article 361 of the Indian Constitution, which provides immunity to a governor from criminal proceedings during their term in office. This constitutional protection means that the defamation suit will play out within the specific legal frameworks governing defamation and public discourse.
Governor Bose’s decision to pursue a defamation case reflects his intent to clear his name and address what he views as unfounded and damaging allegations. The high-profile nature of the case, involving two of West Bengal’s most prominent political figures, ensures that the proceedings will be closely watched.
As the hearing approaches, the public and media remain keenly interested in the outcome, given the broader implications for political accountability and the standards of public communication. The case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in political discourse and the responsibilities of public officials to uphold the dignity and decorum of their offices.
