Today, On 26th June,The Calcutta High Court directed the state government to prevent post-poll violence and ensure peace and order, declining to extend the deployment of central forces. The court emphasized the state’s responsibility in maintaining peace but allowed the central government to decide on extending the forces’ deployment if necessary.
Calcutta: The Calcutta High Court issued directives to the state to restore peace and law and order following post-election violence. The court rejected the request to extend the deployment of central forces in West Bengal.
The state government must take action to maintain peace. However, the court stated that the central government could decide on extending the deployment of central forces based on the current law and order situation. The court instructed the state to ensure law and order in the areas affected by violence after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
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The division bench, comprising Justices Harish Tandon and Hirnamay Bhattacharya, emphasized that restoring peace in the affected areas is the state’s responsibility. If the state fails, the central government has the authority to deploy central forces.
The court ordered the state to submit a report on this matter within a week, making it clear that the extension of central forces to control post-election violence will not be prolonged.
Initially, the National Election Commission mandated the deployment of central forces in West Bengal until June 19, 2024, in response to the violence. The High Court extended this period to June 21, 2024, and later to June 26, 2024. However, the court now decided that the deployment will not continue beyond this date.
Furthermore, the state government must provide the court with a detailed report on the actions taken to address post-election violence. This report is to be submitted within the next two weeks. Following the violence after the Lok Sabha elections, the National Election Commission initially mandated the deployment of central forces in the state until June 19. The High Court later extended this deadline to June 21.
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The High Court clarified that central forces will be deployed in various districts until June 26, which is today. After today, their deployment will end.
This decision marks a critical point in the management of post-election violence in West Bengal, highlighting the judiciary’s role in overseeing the maintenance of law and order and the collaboration between state and central authorities.