Calcutta High Court Directs Bengal Government to Ensure Security for Political Convoys
The Calcutta High Court has issued a significant directive to the West Bengal government, mandating adequate safety measures for the convoys of political leaders, ministers, and members of the legislative assembly. This order came during a hearing on Monday in response to a Public Interest Litigation filed by Suvendu Adhikari, the state leader of the opposition.
PIL Alleges Targeted Attacks and Violence
Suvendu Adhikari approached the division bench, comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, with serious allegations of targeted attacks and recurring violence. He specifically cited an incident on January 10 in Chandrakona, West Midnapore, where his convoy was allegedly attacked. Adhikari claimed that despite the presence of police personnel at the scene, no preventive actions were taken, and he had to be rescued by his personal security staff.
In his petition, Adhikari detailed how the attack unfolded, emphasizing the failure of law enforcement to intervene effectively. He argued that such incidents pose a grave threat to the safety of political figures and undermine democratic processes in the state.
Court's Directive to the State Government
The division bench, after hearing the arguments, directed the West Bengal government to ensure that political leaders, ministers, and MPs receive adequate protection in accordance with their entitlements while moving through various areas. The court stated, "Since the State has prayed for time, it shall be the duty of the State to ensure that, in the meantime, political leaders/ministers/MPs move in the area, they shall be given adequate protection in accordance with their entitlement."
This interim order places the responsibility squarely on the state authorities to implement security protocols without delay, pending further hearings or resolutions.
Specific Demands and Allegations by Adhikari
Adhikari's counsel presented several key points during the proceedings:
- Minimum Distance Requirement: Adhikari sought a mandatory minimum distance of 200 metres between police personnel and his convoy to prevent potential orchestrated attacks.
- Allegations of Police Complicity: The counsel alleged that police officers, under the "guise of route lining," were involved in orchestrating the attack. It was further claimed that sensitive details about the convoy's movement were leaked, leading to gatherings by anti-social elements who carried out the assaults.
- Recurring Pattern of Violence: The PIL highlighted multiple instances of similar attacks, suggesting a systematic issue rather than isolated incidents, and called for judicial intervention to curb this trend.
These allegations point to deeper concerns about law and order in West Bengal, particularly regarding the safety of opposition figures during political activities.
Implications for Political Security in West Bengal
This court order has broader implications for the political landscape in West Bengal:
- Enhanced Security Protocols: The directive may lead to revised and stricter security arrangements for all entitled political personnel, potentially involving increased police deployment and better coordination.
- Accountability of State Authorities: By holding the state government responsible, the court emphasizes the need for proactive measures to prevent violence and ensure a safe environment for political engagements.
- Judicial Oversight: The case sets a precedent for judicial intervention in matters of political security, especially when state mechanisms are perceived as inadequate or compromised.
As the matter progresses, further hearings are expected to address the implementation of these security measures and investigate the allegations of police involvement in the attacks.
