Calcutta HC Halts Panchayat Sthayee Samiti Elections At Raninagar, Opposition Candidates Claim Ruling Dispensation Lodging False Criminal Cases

The Calcutta High Court has restrained the Subdivisional Officer (SDO) Domjur, from carrying on with the process of election of the members of the Sthayee Samity, Raniganagar-II Panchayat Samity, upon objections raised by thirteen members of the Panchayat Samiti.

A single-bench of Justice Amrita Sinha took note of the petitioners claims that the “ruling dispensation had created an atmosphere of terror” by falsely implicating members of the Samity in criminal cases, with the help of local police, and accordingly granted their prayer for postponement of the election process which was scheduled on 11^th September.

It observed:

It has been submitted that the Sabhapati of the Panchayat Samity has been implicated in false criminal case and taken in custody. Six other members of the Panchayat Samity have been named in an FIR lodged before the police and the said members are absconding, fearing arrest. The Pradhan is also absconding and is under the threat of being arrested by the police. It will be practically impossible for all the members to attend the meeting for election of the Sthayee Samity.

Petitioners had argued that the ruling dispensation was creating an atmosphere of terror in the area, aided by local law enforcement, and was harassing opposition party members in an attempt to prevent them from participating in the election process.

Petitioners further submitted that those who had been named in false criminal cases, were in the process of taking adequate legal recourse in order to remain present at the time for elections, and as such the process may be postponed to enable their presence.

Accordingly, the Court directed the SDO to take no further steps in the election processes and to not give any effect to the result of the election, if it had already been held.

Matter has been posted for further hearing on 14^th September.

Case: Ruhul @ Ruhul Sk. & Ors. v The State of West Bengal & Ors

Case No: W.P.A 22025 of 2023