In a noteworthy legal action, Advocate Shashank Shekhar Jha has moved the Supreme Court of India, seeking a court-supervised Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into the violence in Murshidabad that broke out as the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act were underway. The plea points out West Bengal’s inability on the law-and-order front and asks for immediate measures to prevent more trouble.
The second plea, launched by Advocate Vishal Tiwari, requests a five-judge judicial commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to inquire into the violence. These steps of the courts reflect the increased tensions within the state and call for accountability.
Calcutta High Court Directs CAPF Deployment Amid Rising Violence
Earlier, the Calcutta High Court had come down hard, directing the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Murshidabad after fatal clashes had taken three lives. The court emphasized that it “cannot be a mute spectator” when public safety is at risk.
A special bench comprising Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury observed that the situation in West Bengal was “serious and unstable”, requiring immediate action on a “war footing. The court stated
“Constitutional Courts cannot turn a blind eye to reports of vandalism in several districts. The deployment of CAPF is essential to assist the state administration in ensuring public safety.”
The High Court’s decision came after Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, filed an urgent plea seeking central intervention. The next hearing is scheduled for April 17.
West Bengal Governor Backs High Court’s Decision
Governor CV Ananda Bose supported the High Court’s order, calling it a “timely and appropriate” step. In a video message, he stated:
“I welcome the Calcutta High Court’s decision to deploy CAPF in riot-affected areas, including Murshidabad. The situation demands urgent action.”
Mamata Banerjee’s Stand on Waqf Law and Appeal for Peace
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee clarified that her government will not implement the Waqf (Amendment) Act in West Bengal. She urged protesters to remain peaceful and avoid violence, questioning:
“Why are riots happening over a law made by the central government? The answer lies with them, not us.”
Banerjee also warned against “using religion for political gains” and assured strict action against those inciting violence.
Police Crackdown on Violent Protesters
West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar issued a stern warning, stating that the police will not tolerate lawlessness in the name of protests. The authorities have been instructed to take stern action against rioters who indulge in arson, loot, and police attacks.
Supreme Court’s Role in Restoring Justice and Peace
There is increasing hope now that the Supreme Court has taken a suo motto initiative that the government might order a court-monitored SIT probe. Legal pundits opine that this could bring an unbiased probe into the violence at Murshidabad and ensure that responsible elements are made accountable.
Key Demands in the Supreme Court Petitions
- Court-supervised SIT investigation into the violence.
- West Bengal government’s response to law-and-order breakdown.
- Prompt action for civilian safety and avoiding future confrontations.
Conclusion: A Test for Constitutional Safeguards
Murshidabad violence has put West Bengal’s law and order in the spotlight. With, the Supreme Court and Calcutta High Court coming into the picture, eyes are now on restoration to normalcy, witnessing justice being served and preventing any more unrest. The coming few days will be crucial in deciding whether constitutional safeguards can actually act to curb growing tensions in the state.
About Author
This article has been written by Abhinaya Moses, a committed LLM student of Taxation Laws at Government Law College, Coimbatore. With a hungry legal mind and writing skill, she blends even the most abstract concepts in simple words through content writing effortlessly. She is striving to position herself as a potential tax expert and interesting legal blogger capable of making law interesting.
