![[BREAKING] WB Governor Accused of Sexual Harassment | Does Article 361 Provides Immunity?](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-79.jpg?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Allegations of sexual harassment against West Bengal’s Governor, CV Ananda Bose, by a staff member of Raj Bhavan have sparked a heated dispute. The Governor’s claim of immunity under Article 361 is being debated, drawing parallels to past cases. The Supreme Court has upheld absolute immunity for Governors, even in cases of personal misconduct. Such immunity was recognized in a 2017 case involving Kalyan Singh, and historical resignations have occurred amidst similar allegations.
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.
The Supreme Court today granted TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee’s request to postpone ED summons until after General Elections, setting July 10 for further hearing. The decision aims to ensure a fair political environment during elections. Banerjee and his wife challenge the ED’s jurisdiction to summon individuals, citing legal concerns about their summons to Delhi.
The Lokpal yesterday issued a directive instructing the CBI to investigate TMC Leader Mahua Moitra based on serious allegations supported by compelling evidence. The order emphasized the need to eradicate corruption and hold public representatives accountable. The investigation is to include allegations of sharing login credentials, misuse of power, and demands for gifts and favors.
On 7th March, The Calcutta High Court questioned TMC leader Shahajahan Sheikh’s tenure as Zilla Parishad Pradhan due to serious charges, including assault of women. The court directed Sheikh to suspend his duties. The case involves land grabbing, sexual assault, and ration distribution scandals. The court has mandated the state to clarify the status of reclaimed lands and urged confidence-building in the area. The next hearing is scheduled for 4th April.
Today (7th March): Abhijit Gangopadhyay, a former Calcutta High Court judge, resigned to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), sparking controversy. He emphasized his impartiality as a judge, denying political bias in his decisions. Gangopadhyay cited invitations and challenges in entering politics as factors in his decision to resign earlier than planned.
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.