Calcutta HC Grants Suvendu Adhikari Permission To Visit Violence-Hit Sandeshkhali, Stays Section 144

Adhikari has also been directed to submit the proposed plan of his visit along with the route map to the local police station by Monday evening.

File Photo Of Suvendu Adhikari ( Image Source :PTI Images )

The Calcutta High Court, in a ruling on Monday, granted permission to Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly, to visit the unrest-hit Sandeshkhali in the North 24 Parganas district, news agency PTI reported. 

As per the report, Justice Kausik Chanda, in his directive, allowed Adhikari to visit the Sandeshkhali gram panchayat under Sandeshkhali Block-II on Tuesday.

Additionally, the court issued a stay on the imposition of Section 144 of the CrPC in the area by the Basirhat subdivisional officer, which prohibited the assembly of five or more persons, the PTI report said.  

In an order, Justice Chanda underscored the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of India, noting the right to move freely, assemble peaceably, and the freedom of speech and expression.

Adhikari is required to provide an undertaking before the local police station, pledging not to engage in any activities that may disrupt law and order during his visit.

Furthermore, the SP of Basirhat has been instructed to submit a report on the number of registered criminal cases related to rape and sexual assault within the jurisdiction of Sandeshkhali police station from February 1 till date.

The case is scheduled for another hearing after seven days.

As per the report, Adhikari has also been directed to submit the proposed plan of his visit along with the route map to the local police station by Monday evening.

The state has been instructed to deploy an adequate number of security personnel to ensure no untoward incident occurs during Adhikari's visit.

Sandeshkhali has been a focal point for protests concerning allegations of sexual atrocities and land grab by some local Trinamool Congress leaders. In response to the situation, two TMC leaders, Shiba Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar, were arrested by the police on charges of alleged gangrape and attempt to murder.

Adhikari had approached the high court seeking permission to visit Sandeshkhali and meet with the people affected by the alleged atrocities.