Women Sexually Assaulted At Gun Point: Calcutta HC Takes Suo Moto Cognizance Of Violence In Sandeshkhali

The Calcutta High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of reported occurrences of sexual assaults against women in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas, and illicit transfer of tribal lands.

The Court has listed the matter for February 20, 2024, after taking suo moto cognizance, prompted by various news reports dated February 9 and 10, 2024.

The Court noted from the reports that there were allegations of multiple women being sexually assaulted at gunpoint and of tribal lands being forcibly taken without following legal procedures or laws.

“I have been grossly disappointed after going through several newspapers and electronic media reportings where it has been reported that a good numbers of ladies in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas have been sexually assaulted at gun points. It has been also alleged in the newspaper namely, Anandabazar, Indian Express and many other newspapers including different electronic media on 9th February, 2024 as well as 10th February, 2024 that the tribal lands were taken away forcibly in violation of all legal formalities and laws. It is learnt that there are certain violence over the properties of the innocent people”, the Bench of Justice Apurba Sinha Ray observed.

Public Prosecutor Debasish Roy appeared for the Appellant and Advocate Jayanta Narayan Chattopadhyay appeared for the State.

The Court expressed profound disappointment upon reviewing numerous newspaper and electronic media reports that detailed incidents in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas, where multiple women were reportedly sexually assaulted at gunpoint. Furthermore, the reports alleged that tribal lands had been forcefully taken without adhering to legal procedures or laws. The Court had observed instances of violence related to the properties of innocent individuals.

The Public Prosecutor informed the Court that it had the authority under Article 226 of the Constitution to take suo moto cognizance of the ongoing matters in the Sandeshkhali area of West Bengal. However, he suggested that the Advocate General of the State would be the suitable individual to address any inquiries or concerns regarding the matter.

After considering various factors, the Court took suo moto cognizance only of the reported incidents involving the alleged sexual assaults of women in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas, and the unauthorized transfer of tribal lands, in violation of pertinent laws.

Additionally, the Court directed Advocate Jayanta Narayan Chattopadhyay to appear as Amicus Curiae. The Court had issued a notice to the State, Inspector General of Police, DIG of Police (Barasat Range), Superintendent of Police, and District Magistrate of North 24 Parganas.

Accordingly, the Court listed the matter for February 20, 2024.

Cause Title: The Court’s on Its Own Motion v State of West Bengal

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