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.
![[Sandeshkhali Violence Case] Calcutta HC Orders CBI Probe](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MicrosoftTeams-image-17.png?resize=414%2C232&ssl=1)
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.
The Calcutta High Court today(on 5th April) has ordered an NIA investigation into the deaths of BJP activists during pre-2023 election violence in West Bengal. The involvement of Trinamul Congress is under scrutiny. Justice Jay Sengupta directed the central government to transfer the investigation within 15 days and submit a compliance report by April 25.
The Calcutta High Court on Thursday (4th April) condemned the violence in Sandeshkhali as “extremely shameful,” and held the Trinamool Congress-led government responsible for citizen safety amid allegations of extortion, land grab, and sexual assault. The court emphasized the government’s moral responsibility and discussed the need for a comprehensive inquiry, possibly by the CBI, to address systemic deficiencies.
Today (20th March): The Delhi High Court has summoned Mahua Moitra in response to a defamation suit filed by advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai. Both parties were instructed to refrain from making defamatory statements against each other. The case, scheduled for its next hearing on April 8, is related to allegations made by Dehadrai against Moitra regarding past relationships and bribery accusations.
Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay formally resigned from the Calcutta High Court on March 5, 2024, and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. His disillusionment with the TMC-led administration in West Bengal led to his decision. This rare transition from a high court judge to a political figure was confirmed by the Union Law Ministry.