The Calcutta High Court grants BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari permission to visit Sandeshkhali amid protests. Adhikari warned against provocative speeches. Prohibitory orders addressed, but a PIL for women’s protection is denied an urgent hearing.
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The Calcutta High Court has granted permission to West Bengal Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari to visit Sandeshkhali, a region engulfed in protests over alleged atrocities, including sexual abuse, by some TMC leaders. The court, headed by Justice Kausik Chanda, emphasized that Adhikari must refrain from delivering provocative speeches and creating any law and order issues during his visit. The BJP leader has been directed to submit a route map of his visit to the state government.
Adhikari had previously faced restrictions from the police when attempting to visit Sandeshkhali, prompting him to approach the Calcutta High Court. The court’s decision on Monday allows Adhikari to visit the troubled area with security personnel.
In response to the court’s order, Adhikari stated,
“The permission was given on February 12 also, but they imposed Section 144. Today I received a specific order, and I will go there tomorrow and meet the families of the victims. Many BJP workers have been arrested; I will meet their family members.”
Highlighting the ongoing situation in Sandeshkhali, the article quotes Adhikari’s criticism of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He asserted-
“She has not done any development work. They will not arrest (Sheikh Shahjahan) because they need goons during elections, and they have given him protection.”
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The Calcutta High Court also intervened in the prohibitory orders imposed under Section 144 CrPC in Sandeshkhali, emphasizing the need to balance public safety with the right to peaceful assembly. Despite the court setting aside the order on February 13, the district administration reinstated restrictions in specific areas on February 14.
Meanwhile, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking protection for women residents of Sandeshkhali was denied an urgent hearing by the High Court. The Chief Justice questioned the petitioner’s eligibility and stressed that attaching newspaper reports alone would not suffice. The court emphasized the need to meet fundamental requirements for a PIL before considering it for a hearing.
National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma added her voice to the growing concerns, accusing the West Bengal government of suppressing women’s voices in Sandeshkhali. Sharma, leading a delegation to the area, demanded the imposition of President’s Rule in the state.
She stated-
“After speaking to women in the area, I found out the situation here in Sandeshkhali is horrible. Several women narrated their ordeals. We demand that President’s Rule be imposed in Bengal. We would also mention it in our report.”
