NEW DELHI: Today (April 29): The Supreme Court postponed the hearing of the State of West Bengal’s Special Leave Petition (SLP), which challenges the High Court’s order for a CBI investigation into alleged sexual assault, violence, and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali. The adjournment was granted at the request of the state’s counsel, with the court instructing that the petition’s pendency should not be exploited to prolong proceedings in the Calcutta High Court.
Today, (15th April) Shajahan Sheikh, a suspended TMC leader, placed in judicial custody for 14 days by a special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The arrest is connected to alleged money laundering activities and a previous incident involving an assault on ED officials. Sheikh’s remand marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
Today,15th April, The Supreme Court granted a two-week extension for the Lok Sabha Secretariat and others to respond to the petition filed by West Bengal bureaucrats challenging their summons by the privileges committee. The court also suspended the notices issued by the committee. This comes after BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar’s attempt to visit violence-hit Sandeshkhali, questioning his free speech rights.
On Friday (29th March): Rekha Patra, BJP candidate, filed a complaint against TMC nominee Debangshu Bhattacharyya for sharing her private information on social media. The NCW and SC were approached. TMC and NCW officials engaged in a heated exchange over the issue. Patra’s lawyer emphasized her challenges and activism for women’s rights.
On Friday(22nd March), Sheikh Shahjahan along with two others granted six-day police custody by the CBI in Case no. 8 of Nazat Police Station in West Bengal. Legal representative submits bail petition on medical grounds. Calcutta High Court intervenes in related case involving Sheikh Shahjahan’s sibling, emphasizing impartial investigation. Allegations against Shahjahan and associates include land-grabbing and coercive sexual assault.
Today(on 14th March), The North 24 Parganas district court extends Shahjahan Sheikh’s CBI custody by 8 days, emphasizing ongoing legal scrutiny amid serious allegations. Sheikh, a controversial figure from Sandeshkhali, faces accusations of sexual misconduct and unlawful land dealings, with the case transferred to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court due to its severity.
Today(On 12th March), The Calcutta High Court dismissed Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan’s anticipatory bail plea in the PDS scandal, upholding the integrity of the investigation. The decision highlights the court’s commitment to transparency and justice in combating corruption within the public distribution system. The case involves significant individuals and has sparked widespread interest.
On 11th March, the Supreme Court dismissed West Bengal’s plea regarding the CBI takeover of the January 5 attack case. Specific comments against the state government and police were ordered to be removed, upholding the CBI investigation. The case involves an attack on an Enforcement Directorate team and highlights law enforcement’s response to criminal activities.
On 6th March, Sheikh Shahjahan, a suspended Trinamool Congress leader accused of violence and criminal activities, was placed in CBI custody by the Calcutta High Court amid tensions between state and central authorities. This legal standoff highlights the conflict in federalism and judicial oversight, connected to the political issues in Sandeshkhali. The Trinamool Congress’s expulsion of Shahjahan and BJP’s criticism add further complexity to the situation.
The West Bengal government urgently requested the Supreme Court Today to list its plea challenging a Calcutta High Court decision to transfer the investigation of an attack on ED officials in Sandeshkhali to the CBI. The state government emphasized the urgency, seeking immediate compliance with the High Court’s directive to transfer the investigation. This resulted in instructions to raise the matter with the Registrar General of the Supreme Court.
