Tripura High Court Issues Notice To State Govt. On PIL Seeking Probe Into Political Violence In State By HC Judge

The Tripura High Court last week issued notice to the State Government on a PIL seeking probe into the recent political violence in the state by an existing or retired Judge of the High Court. 

Looking to the seriousness of the issues involved, the Bench of Chief Justice Akil Kureshi and Justice S. G. Chattopadhyay issued notice to the respondents so as to gather further information before deciding further course of action.

The Court has directed the respondents to place on record the progress of the investigation made in the various FIRs, copies of which were produced by the petitioner on October 4.

This PIL has been moved by an active member of a political party seeking the formation of a special investigation team under an existing or retired Judge of the High Court for fair and proper inquiry and investigation into recent political violence in the State.

The petitioner pointed out that on 8th and 9th September, 2021, certain violent incidences of breach of law and order which had political flavor took place in the State of Tripura causing bodily injuries to certain citizens and damaging private and public properties.

In connection with these incidents, it was submitted, several FIRs have been lodged on or around 9th September 2021, however, it was claimed that till the filing of the petition on 18th September, 2021, no arrests have been made by the police.

The counsel for the petitioner submitted that the violence was politically motivated and was targeted against a particular political outfit, its members and the establishments were the prime targets.

It was argued that despite lodging of FIRs in relation to such riotous situations disclosing commission of cognizable offences, so far the police have not carried out serious investigation and no arrests have been made.

She submitted that clearly, the police department was working under political compulsions and therefore, it was contended, that to ensure impartial and independent investigation,  a special investigation team must be constituted by this Court whose functioning may be supervised by a former Judge of this High Court.

Click Here To Download Order

Read Order