Today (19 Feb, 2024), the Supreme Court halted the issuance of notices by the privileges committee of the Lok Sabha Secretariat to the West Bengal chief secretary, DGP, and others following a complaint of “misconduct” lodged against them by BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar. Majumdar suffered injuries last week when clashes erupted between BJP workers and police personnel after they were prevented from traveling to the violence-stricken area of Sandeshkhali in West Bengal.
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In New Delhi on February 19, the Supreme Court intervened by halting the notices issued by the privileges committee of the Lok Sabha Secretariat to the West Bengal chief secretary, DGP, and others. These notices were in response to a complaint of “misconduct” filed against them by BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar. Majumdar sustained injuries last week during clashes between BJP workers and police personnel when they were prevented from traveling to the violence-affected area of Sandeshkhali in West Bengal.
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A bench comprised of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwla and Manoj Misra acknowledged the arguments presented by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi, representing the state officials. The bench consequently stayed the notices that had requested their presence.
Representatives of the Lok Sabha Secretariat’s counsel objected to the Supreme Court’s decision to grant a stay, stating that this was the first sitting of the privileges committee.
“The individuals in question are not facing any accusations. This is part of the standard procedure. When an MP submits a notice and the Speaker deems it necessary to investigate, notices are issued,”
-explained the counsel.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat summoned West Bengal Chief Secretary Bhagwati Prasad Gopalika and Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar to appear on Monday.
The bench has issued notices to the Lok Sabha Secretariat and others, requesting their responses within four weeks. Meanwhile, the proceedings before the lower House panel have been suspended.
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The MP and others were barred from entering Sandeshkhali, where women have been protesting against alleged atrocities committed by Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates.
Sandeshkhali has been gripped with tension as numerous women in the area have accused Trinamool Congress figure Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of “land-grabbing and sexual assault” under coercion.
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