West Bengal Post-Poll Violence : Calcutta High Court Issues Contempt Notice To South Kolkata DCP Over Alleged Obstruction Of NHRC Team

Allegedly, a member of the Committee was obstructed from discharging his duty when he and his team members were attacked by certain goons on June 29, 2021 in Jadavpur area.

The NHRC team, in its interim report submitted before the Court, mentioned that no police protection was given to them even though prior notice was given to the District Magistrate and the local police.

Noting that such conduct is a clear violation of the Court's June 18 order, requiring all the concerned authorities to provide all logistic support to the Committee, the 5-Judge Bench ordered,

"Let a notice be issued to Rashid Munir Khan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Suburban Division, Kolkata to show cause as to why proceedings for contempt be not initiated against him for violation of the order passed by this court on June 18, 2021."

Allegations Of Post Poll Violence In West Bengal Prima Facie True; State Found On A Wrong Foot: Calcutta High Court Observes

In its June 18 order, the High Court had categorically directed the State to ensure that there is no obstruction of any kind in the investigation process and that any obstruction shall be viewed seriously under the Contempt of Courts Act besides others.

During the hearing, Advocate General Kishore Datta urged the Bench to share a copy of the Committee's report, so as to enable him to make further submissions.

The Bench however declined this request, saying that the matter is still being investigated by the Committee. "Before passing any final order, due opportunity shall be granted to all the concerned parties to place their cases before the court, in view of final report to be submitted by the Committee," the Bench clarified.

The matter has been adjourned till July 13.

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