Read Time: 06 minutes

The Supreme Court today issued notice in a fresh plea seeking SIT probe into the West Bengal Post Poll Violence, after the already pending plea moved by Biswajit Sarkar seeking a similar relief. 

Bench of Justice Vineet Saran and Justice Dinesh Maheshwari has sought response from the Centre, State of West Bengal and Election Commission of India. 

“Issue notice to respondent 1, 2 and 3" Court said.

Irrespective of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee being a party in the plea, the Court has not issued notice to her.

The plea preferred by Ranjana Agnihotri was filed through Advocate on Record Vishnu Shankar Jain stated that after the declaration of election results, TMC workers and supporters started creating chaos, unrest and setting the houses and properties of Hindus on fire, looting and plundered their belongings for the simple reason that they supported BJP, in the Assembly election.

“At least 15 BJP supporters were murdered and a number of persons were seriously injured.No appropriate steps have been taken against the suspects by the State Governments, jeopardizing the life, liberty, dignity of women, children and future of Hindu residents,” the plea stated.

The petitioner also averred that TMC Leader Shri Sheikh Alam, gave a statement on March 25, against Sovereignty and integrity of India, provoking communal disharmony: “We are 30% and they are 70%. They will come to power with the support of 70%. They should be ashamed. If our Muslim population moves to one side, then we will create four new Pakistan. Where will 70% of the population go?”

“No steps have been taken yet by either the State or the Central Government, to look into the reasons of the said violence,” the plea also added.

Along with a Court monitored SIT Probe, to investigate causes and reasons of Post poll violence, the plea also seeks for compensation to the victim and their family members after ascertaining the loss incurred by them.

In addition, the petitioners have sought for steps for rehabilitation of persons who have migrated to Assam or any other place in India, due to violence and to ensure Rights under Article 14, 21 and 25 of the Constitution. 

Further the plea also seeks for the Central Government to exercise powers under Article 355 and 356 of the Constitution, keeping in view the deteriorating condition posing threat to sovereignty and integrity of India and also to deploy armed/paramilitary forces to bring back normalcy in the State.

On an earlier Occasion Justice Indira Banerjee recused from hearing the matter

Two Interventions filed in the pending plea, seeking similar relief seeks investigation into incidents of assault and rape, post West Bengal election results.

In a hearing on May 18, Senior Counsel Mahesh Jethmalani had informed the Court that the attacks on BJP Workers were premeditated and orchestrated. 

Case Title: Ranjana Agnihotri v. Union of India| W.P.(C) No. 614/2021