West Bengal Challenges Calcutta HC’s CBI Probe Order in Supreme Court

West Bengal Challenges Calcutta HC's CBI Probe Order

VoM News Desk | March 6, 2024 | 02:30 PM IST | Breaking News, Courts & Law | Follow on Google News

West Bengal Challenges Calcutta HC’s CBI Probe Order in Supreme Court

West Bengal Challenges Calcutta HC’s CBI Probe Order in Supreme Court

The West Bengal government has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the Calcutta High Court’s order directing a CBI probe into the Sandeshkhali matter, which involves an attack on ED officials. The state government termed the High Court’s decision as against the concept of federalism. The appeal questions the validity of the High Court’s March 5 division bench order and highlights the urgency, alleging a lack of remedies. The High Court’s directive, demanding compliance within hours, was considered remediless by the state. The matter was mentioned in the Supreme Court seeking an urgent hearing.

High Court Order Impact on Federal Structure and Investigation

The West Bengal government argues that the High Court order infringes upon the federal structure, taking away the state’s power to investigate and further limiting the state government’s rights. The appeal asserts that the High Court cast unsubstantiated aspersions on the state police’s investigation without considering the factual matrix. The government claims that such observations are unwarranted and may undermine public confidence in the police force. The High Court’s alleged media trial and mixing of several issues were also criticized.

Background on Sandeshkhali Case and High Court’s Decision

In January, ED officials were attacked in North 24 Parganas while en route to raid the homes of former Bongaon Municipality chairman Shankar Adhya and Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan. The Calcutta High Court had transferred the Sandeshkhali case to the CBI. After weeks of inaction, Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested on February 29 by the West Bengal police, leading to allegations from the BJP that he was shielded by the state police. Tension rose in Sandeshkhali, with women accusing Sheikh Shahjahan of sexual abuse and other offenses, leading to public protests.

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