Large Number Of BJP Supporters Implicated In Criminal Cases To Prevent Participation In Election: Calcutta HC Orders Inquiry

The Calcutta High Court has directed the Police to submit a report regarding an allegation that a large number of supporters of the BJP have been implicated in false cases to prevent them from taking part in the election and to prevent them from carrying out political activities for their party in the ensuing panchayat election.

The Bench of Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya ordered, "Since allegation has been made that supporters of a particular political party are being implicated in a criminal proceedings unnecessarily this Court finds it apt to direct the Superintendent of Police, Cooch Behar, to make an enquiry upon deputing competent senior police officials of the district and prepare a report and submit the same on the next date of hearing of the writ petition".

The Writ Petition was filed by West Bengal BJP MLA Malati Rava Roy before the Circut Bench at Jalpaiguri, expressing apprehension that there will be further deterioration of law and order in her constituency during the ensuing panchayat election.

Advocate Aloke Sah, appearing on behalf of the petitioner, contended that four separate FIRs were filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code against members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trying to prevent the petitioner from participating in the upcoming elections. Additional Advocate General Joyjit Choudhury, appearing for the State, submitted that a Division Bench headed by the Chief Justice of the Court has already passed all necessary directions required for peaceful and smooth operations of the panchayat elections.

"This Court is also inclined to echo the views expressed by the Hon’ble Division Bench in the order dated 4th July, 2023 and directs the police administration as well as other State administrative machinery of the district of Cooch Behar to take all possible steps to ensure free and fair panchayat election which is scheduled to be held on 8th July, 2023", the Bench ordered.

Accordingly, the High Court directed the state administrative machinery to submit the report within three weeks from the date of the order.

Cause Title: Smt. Malati Rava Roy v The State of West Bengal & Ors.

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