Today (8th May): The Supreme Court reserved judgment on West Bengal’s suit alleging misuse of the CBI by the Centre. The State contends that withdrawing consent for CBI investigations prevents probes in West Bengal. Arguments presented by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta focused on the suit’s maintainability, administrative control, and relief sought, with the Court reserving its verdict.
Today (1st May): The Supreme Court emphasized the misunderstanding of judicial workload by critics who question court vacations. Justices highlighted their dedication, including working on weekends, and the necessity to draft judgments during vacations. The court also addressed the importance of vacations for drafting lengthy judgments and handling heavy caseloads, countering criticism.
![[Lok Sabha Election 2024] SC Rejects Debasish Dhar's Birbhum Nomination Plea](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MicrosoftTeams-image-25-2.png?resize=400%2C332&ssl=1)
Today (30th April): The Supreme Court rejected Debasish Dhar’s plea on his nomination cancellation from Birbhum, stating that intervening would disrupt the ongoing election process. The court dismissed allegations of prejudice against the returning officer, affirming that he acted in good faith. Dhar’s resignation as an IPS officer did not imply the absence of pending dues. Consequently, the case was dismissed as withdrawn.
Today, 26th April,The West Bengal government challenges a CBI inquiry into the Sandeshkhali violence, arguing that the state is effectively investigating. This intensifies the conflict over jurisdiction in criminal investigations between state and central agencies. The Calcutta High Court had granted CBI permission to investigate the case involving allegations against Trinamool Congress leaders. The dispute has led to raids and arrests in the region, with ongoing tensions and protests.
On Wednesday (24th April): Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai agreed not to make public accusations about BJD MP Pinaki Mishra’s alleged conspiracy against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in light of an ongoing CBI inquiry, following a Delhi High Court warning. The court emphasized the seriousness of such allegations and recorded Dehadrai’s undertaking to refrain from further statements on the matter.
Today (24th April): The West Bengal Government has appealed to the Supreme Court after the Calcutta High Court invalidated the appointments of 24,000 teaching and non-teaching staff, due to alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. The scandal, termed the “School Jobs for Cash Scam,” has led to disruption in the education sector and legal repercussions for implicated individuals.
In a defamation case filed in the Delhi High Court, BJD MP Pinaki Misra accuses advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai of making baseless corruption allegations, referring to him as “Canning Lane,” “Odia Babu,” and the “Dalal of Puri.” Misra seeks an apology, damages, and removal of defamatory content from Twitter and news platforms. The suit highlights Misra’s limited interaction with Dehadrai and his association with Dehadrai’s former partner, TMC leader Mahua Moitra. Dehadrai allegedly accused Moitra and Misra of bribery and corruption. Dehadrai repeatedly posted defamatory tweets accusing Misra of criminal involvement, and also established an anonymous account to disseminate defamatory accusations. Misra’s defamation case has been filed with the assistance of advocate Samudra Sarangi.
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.
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Kolkata: Today (10th April): The Calcutta High Court has ordered a CBI probe into alleged crimes against women and forcible land grabs in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal. The court will closely monitor the investigation, specifically addressing the illegal conversion of agricultural land for pisciculture, amid concerns about safety and environmental violations in the region.