Today(4th July), the Calcutta High Court scheduled a hearing for Governor CV Anand Bose’s defamation case against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on July 10. This decision followed a plea by the Governor’s counsel to Justice Krishna Rao, noting that the case was initially omitted from the hearing list.
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KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court is set to hear the defamation case filed by Governor CV Anand Bose against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on July 10. The announcement came after the Governor’s counsel brought the matter to the attention of Justice Krishna Rao today(on 4th July), as the case was initially not listed for hearing.
Governor Bose initiated the defamation proceedings against Chief Minister Banerjee on Tuesday, following her recent comments during a government meeting in Navanna. The Governor felt aggrieved by the statements made by the Chief Minister, prompting him to seek legal redress.
In addition to Chief Minister Banerjee, the case implicates two future Trinamool MLAs, Sayantika Banerjee and Rayat Hussain Sarkar, as well as Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh. The case was first presented before Justice Rao on Wednesday, who then scheduled the next hearing date for July 10.
During the recent government meeting in Navanna, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made remarks that were perceived as attacking the Governor, leading to the filing of the defamation case. The specifics of the comments made by the Chief Minister have not been disclosed in the public domain, but they were significant enough for Governor Bose to take the matter to court.
Justice Krishna Rao, upon being informed by the Governor’s counsel about the urgency and importance of the case, decided to prioritize the hearing, ensuring that it is addressed promptly.
“We commend the court for promptly setting the hearing date,”
– said the Governor’s counsel, highlighting the need for a timely resolution to the matter.
The inclusion of future Trinamool MLAs Sayantika Banerjee and Rayat Hussain Sarkar, along with Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh, adds a layer of complexity to the case. These individuals have also been accused of making defamatory statements, contributing to the Governor’s decision to file the lawsuit.
As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes will be on the Calcutta High Court on July 10, where the arguments and evidence will be presented. This case not only underscores the ongoing political tensions between the state’s executive and administrative branches but also highlights the legal recourse available to public officials who feel defamed by their counterparts.
Observers and political analysts are keenly watching the developments, noting the potential implications for the political landscape in West Bengal. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how defamation cases involving high-ranking public officials are handled in the future.
“The case reflects the heightened political tensions in the state.”
-said a political analyst. It will be interesting to see how the court navigates this sensitive issue and what the ramifications will be for the involved parties.
In the ongoing conflict between Raj Bhavan and Vidhan Sabha Bhavan regarding the swearing-in ceremony of two future MLAs, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced her concerns and suggestions.
Addressing the issue, Mamata stated-
“He should either delegate the right of administering the oath to the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker, or conduct it within the assembly itself. There have been complaints from girls about feeling intimidated to visit the Raj Bhavan due to the ongoing scandal.”
This statement highlights the friction between the state government and the governor’s office over procedural matters. According to sources at Raj Bhavan, the inclusion of the two newly elected candidates in the Assembly by-elections has been under scrutiny due to remarks made about the swearing-in process. The controversy further escalated with the involvement of Kunal Ghosh, a prominent political figure.
Governor’s lawyer Dhiraj Dwivedi explained-
“Kunal has also been implicated in the case for the remarks he made about the governor during an interview.”
In response to this development, Kunal Ghosh expressed his surprise, saying-
“I heard that he included my name in the case. I will proceed according to the law.”
The situation took a legal turn after the first hearing on Wednesday. Justice Rao ordered that all media reports on Chief Minister Mamata’s comments about Governor Bose should also be included in the case. This judicial intervention has brought more attention to the conflict and the legal implications surrounding it.
The conflict between Raj Bhavan and Vidhan Sabha Bhavan is not just a procedural dispute but also a reflection of the larger political dynamics in the state. The governor’s role and the powers vested in him have been a point of contention, especially in states with strong regional parties. The demand by Mamata Banerjee to transfer the swearing-in authority to the Speaker or Deputy Speaker underscores the need for a more decentralized approach in the administration of such ceremonies.
ALSO READ: Cal HC Adjourns Hearing on Governor’s Defamation Suit Against Mamata Banerjee Till Tomorrow
Moreover, the fear expressed by female MLAs about visiting Raj Bhavan due to the “fame-scam” allegations adds a layer of complexity to the issue. It raises questions about the atmosphere and the security of women in political offices and events. This concern is not just about procedural rights but also about ensuring a safe and secure environment for all elected representatives.
