Sandeshkhali Case: Supreme Court halts Lok Sabha panel's action against key Bengal officials

PTC News Desk: The Supreme Court intervened in the Sandeshkhali case, halting breach of privilege proceedings against top West Bengal officials. This move came after a complaint by BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar, alleging misconduct during Sandeshkhali violence.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud led the bench that stayed the Lok Sabha Privileges Committee's actions against West Bengal's chief secretary Bhagwati Prasad Gopalika and director general of police Rajeev Kumar, among others. This decision followed a petition filed by the chief secretary seeking urgent orders, as the Privileges Committee had summoned the officials to appear on Monday.

In a significant development, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar, and the Union Home Ministry, seeking responses within four weeks. Notices were also issued to the West Bengal Director General of Police, Chief Secretary, and the local District Magistrate.

The Privileges Committee of Parliament had summoned several officials, including the Chief Secretary and the DGP, in response to Mr. Majumdar's complaint of "misconduct, brutality, and life-threatening injuries." However, the officials challenged the notice, asserting that political activity does not constitute a breach of privilege.

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Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the officers, argued that the complaint was based on a false narrative. He emphasised that the incident, where Mr. Majumdar alleged injuries, occurred when he was demonstrating on a police car and fell due to the actions of a party member, not police involvement. The Sandeshkhali case revolves around allegations against Trinamool leader Sheikh Sahajan and his associates for exploiting villagers and multiple counts of sexual assault. While two of his aides have been arrested, Sahajan remains at large.

Governor CV Ananda Bose reported receiving complaints from women alleging harassment and intimidation, forwarding them to the state government. Amidst the political tension, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of exaggerating the situation. However, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes recommended President's Rule in the state, citing violence and political unrest in Sandeshkhali.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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