On Thursday(6th June),The Calcutta High Court firmly cautioned the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government about ongoing post-election violence in West Bengal, directing the Bengal Police to promptly intervene. Justices Kaushik Chanda and Apurba Sinha, on the bench, expressed grave apprehensions regarding the state’s law and order situation.
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KOLKATA: On Thursday(6th June), The Calcutta High Court issued a firm caution to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government concerning the ongoing post-poll violence in West Bengal. The court unequivocally directed the Bengal Police to take immediate action to halt the violence that has erupted in various parts of the state following the recent elections.
The bench, comprising Justices Kaushik Chanda and Apurba Sinha, expressed serious concerns over the law and order situation in West Bengal.
Justice Chanda remarked-
“We’re witnessing reports of post-election violence in the media. It needs to cease immediately.”
This statement emphasizes the court’s recognition of the widespread reports and visuals of violence being broadcasted across media channels.
During the hearing, the court emphasized the responsibility of the state police to take decisive and effective measures to curb the violence. The judges were clear in their stance that the continuation of such incidents was unacceptable and mandated immediate intervention.
In defense, the state’s Advocate General presented a counter-argument, firmly denying the allegations of widespread post-poll violence.
He stated-
“The alleged post-election violence isn’t post-election violence at all.”
He urged the court to allow the state sufficient time to compile and present a detailed statement along with evidence to refute the claims.
“The state needs to provide evidence for all incidents in its statement, with adequate time granted.”
– he added, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the facts before drawing conclusions.
The allegations of post-poll violence have been a contentious issue, with various reports suggesting targeted attacks on opposition party members and supporters. These incidents have raised alarms about the safety and security of individuals in the state, prompting judicial intervention.
Justice Apurba Sinha’s presence on the bench emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, as both judges have adopted a strict stance against any form of violence. The court’s comments indicate a zero-tolerance policy for such disturbances, calling for immediate measures to restore peace and normalcy.
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The TMC government’s response to these judicial directives will be closely watched, as it bears significant implications for the state’s political and social fabric. The need for a balanced and evidence-based approach in addressing these allegations is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the judicial process and ensuring justice for all affected parties.
The court’s insistence on immediate action from the Bengal Police reflects the urgency of the matter, aiming to prevent any further escalation of violence. This directive serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s crucial role in upholding law and order and protecting democratic processes from being undermined by violence.
Justice Chanda emphasized the state’s responsibility, stating-
“The state bears the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of its populace.”
The court advised victims of political violence to reach out directly to the Director General of Police (DG) with their complaints via email. This streamlined process aims to facilitate quicker responses and more efficient handling of grievances.
Victims were instructed-
“Individuals affected by political violence are advised to forward their grievances via email to the Director General of Police (DG).”
This directive provides a clear and direct channel for victims to seek redressal.
In response to the court’s orders, the DG has instructed the local police to take immediate action on these complaints. The DG’s instructions to the local police are crucial in ensuring that complaints are addressed promptly and that perpetrators of political violence are brought to justice.
The court noted-
“The DG has further directed local law enforcement to promptly address these grievances.”
To ensure accountability and transparency, the court has ordered the state to submit a comprehensive report after ten days. This report must detail the actions taken by the police in response to the complaints received.
Justice Chanda’s bench highlighted the importance of this report, stating-
“The court has also mandated the state to furnish a report within ten days, outlining the actions taken by the police in response to these grievances.”
This requirement is a critical step in monitoring the effectiveness of the measures implemented and ensuring that the state’s actions align with the court’s directives.
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The bench issued a stern warning, emphasizing that failure to act on these complaints would result in strict measures being enforced according to the law.
The court cautioned-
“If no action ensues, the court will enforce stringent measures in accordance with the law.”
