'Newspaper Reports And Next Morning There's A Writ': Calcutta High Court Dismisses PIL Against "Banned Student Union" In Jadavpur University

The Calcutta High Court on Monday dismissed a PIL filed by BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari against the “Revisionary Students Union/Federation”, an allegedly banned students union stated to be operating from within Jadavpur University.

Upon perusing the writ petition, a bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya expressed strong resentment and said,

“Are you very serious with the writ petition? We didn’t expect this. News paper reports, next day morning a writ petition. We find from the newspapers itself that already action has been initiated by the respondent police. Therefore, there is no reason to entertain this writ petition…don’t exhaust yourself. Writ petition dismissed as withdrawn.”

Adhikari claimed that the aforesaid organisation is a threat to the “unity, integrity and sovereignty” of the country being a public functionary, he is under a duty to bring this to the court’s attention.

In discussing reservations at the practise of PILs being filed solely on the basis on newspaper reports, and expressing objection at the multiplicity of litigation on the unfortunate events that occurred at Jadavpur University, the Bench in another matter observed:

“Matter has been listed on 5^th September. Multiplicity of litigation should be avoided. Ultimately, over the weekend there will be newspaper reports, leading to hundred, two-hundred writ petitions, and then nothing can be done. It is up to you to take a call. Several petitions on the same issue will dilute the cause that this court is already seized of…if you dilute it sir, we will adjourn it to 2024. I don’t know what has happened…DSG, you were supposed to bring good causes. Morning you open the newspaper, by afternoon affidavit is affirmed and filed in the evening, next day morning urgent hearing…no no sir, this cannot happen.”

Case: Suvendu Adhikari v State of West Bengal

Coram: Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Cal) 243