Calcutta High Court rejects speedy hearing for Sandeshkhali case, emphasizing standard procedure. Tensions in Sandeshkhali sparked by alleged assaults on officials and protests against Trinamool leader Shahjahan Sheikh.
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Kolkata: On February 19, the Calcutta High Court has dismissed the plea for a speedy hearing of a public interest case related to Sandeshkhali, asserting that the matter will be addressed according to the court’s schedule. The division bench, headed by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, emphasized the importance of following due process during a hearing on Tuesday.
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Lawyer Akshattha Samant, representing the petitioner, sought an expedited hearing on the Sandeshkhali issue during a session on Monday. However, the division bench, seemingly skeptical of the urgency, questioned the petitioner’s motives, asking-
“Did the petitioner go into doubt? Is he a social worker? So why should this case be heard quickly?”
The court firmly stated that the case would be heard in accordance with the court’s established list of priorities.
Furthermore, the division bench informed that the matter is scheduled for a hearing on Monday in the single bench of the high court, and suggested observing the proceedings there. The court’s decision emphasizes the commitment to procedural fairness and adherence to the legal process in addressing the Sandeshkhali public interest case.
ALSO READ: Petition Filed at Calcutta High Court Demands CAPF Deployment in Sandeshkhali.
This development comes after lawyer Akishta Samant drew attention to the escalating situation in Sandeshkhali, urging the Calcutta High Court to deploy central forces to maintain order. The lawyer filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) requesting the deployment of central forces to control the unrest in the region. A division bench, comprising Justice Jaimalya Bagchi and Justice Gaurang Kanter, granted permission for the filing of the case.
The subsequent hearing of the case took place on Monday, with the division bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam overseeing proceedings. The court’s decision to adhere to the established schedule reflects a commitment to a systematic approach in addressing the complexities of the Sandeshkhali situation.
Sandeshkhali, located in North 24 Parganas, has been a hotspot for local protests in recent days. The turmoil began on January 5, with allegations of an assault on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in the area. The Central Investigation Agency subsequently conducted a search operation at the residence of Trinamool leader Shahjahan Sheikh, who has been on the run since the attack on ED officials.
The violence in Sandeshkhali has resurfaced, with a group of locals taking to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with Shah Jahan’s relatives. Incidents of riots and arson have been reported sporadically, indicating the volatile nature of the situation in the region.
