The Supreme Court, hearing Mamata Banerjee’s plea against the Election Commission’s SIR exercise, expressed concern over a “blame game” and lack of cooperation between the State and ECI. The Bench hinted at appointing judicial officers to resolve the impasse in the sensitive voter revision process.
The Supreme Court has directed the West Bengal government to pay pending dearness allowance to its employees for the period 2008–2019, calling DA a legally enforceable right. The State has been ordered to release 25% of the arrears by March 6, with further payments to be monitored by a court-appointed committee.
West Bengal has told the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate’s own records show the I-PAC searches were conducted peacefully without police interference. The State also argued that ED’s Article 32 plea is not maintainable as a government agency cannot claim violation of fundamental rights.
The Calcutta High Court has directed the Election Commission and the West Bengal government to file reports on a PIL alleging withdrawal of election-related infrastructure work. The Court said the EC has the authority to ensure proper facilities for the smooth conduct of the upcoming Bengal Assembly elections.
The Calcutta High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the hazardous air pollution crisis in the Kolkata–Howrah region after AQI levels touched 330–350. The Court has sought responses from the West Bengal government and concerned authorities, calling the situation a continuing public health emergency.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking before CJI Surya Kant at the Calcutta High Court’s Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench inauguration, urged the judiciary to protect the Constitution and democracy. Her remarks came amid the ED raids controversy involving I-PAC, with Banerjee alleging deliberate targeting by central agencies.
