Grossly Disappointed: Calcutta HC Takes Suo Moto Cognizance Of Reports On Alleged Sexual Harassment Of Women, Illegal Land Grabbing In Sandeshkhali

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday took suo moto cognizance of newspaper reports on alleged sexual harassment of women living in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, and tribal lands that had been forcibly taken over.

A single bench of Justice Apurba Sinha Ray took cognizance of the matter, appointed an amicus curiae, and issued notice to the authorities. It said:

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.

Court further observed that there was violence over the properties of the innocent people in the area.

Public prosecutor for the state submitted that the Court had power under Article 226 to take suo moto cognizance of the events in Sandeshkhali, and that the Advocate General for the State would appear in the matter.

Accordingly, the court took note of the matter due to the alleged incidents and appointed Jayanta Narayan Chattopadhyay, Advocate, as amicus curiae.

The Court further issued notice on the State, Inspector General of Police, DIG of Police (Barasat Range), Superintendent of Police & District Magistrate of North 24 Parganas.

The matter has been listed on 20th February, 2024.

The Court directed for the order to be communicated to the Registrar General, High Court Calcutta for taking appropriate steps.

Case: The Court's on its Own Motion v State of West Bengal 

Case No: WPA 4011 of 2024