LI Network
Published on: December 30, 2023 at 12:30 IST
The Calcutta High Court strongly emphasized the inadmissibility of social boycott against an individual or their family members in a recent case [Ranajit Mondal vs State of West Bengal].
This stance was taken while addressing a plea where a man alleged facing social ostracization within his locality due to his objection towards an illegally constructed temple near his property.
Justice Jay Sengupta, in an order dated December 27, highlighted that any form of social boycott against a citizen or their family members should be rigorously handled by the administration, deeming it unfit for a civilized society.
The Court further emphasized the importance of resolving property rights issues through civil Court processes rather than taking matters into one’s own hands.
It was revealed that despite a civil suit and an injunction order against the respondents disrupting the petitioner’s peaceful possession of the property, the private respondents continued violating the injunction and engaged in social boycott along with other locals.
While acknowledging ongoing civil disputes, the authorities had initiated proceedings under Section 107 (Security for keeping the peace) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to maintain peace in the area.
Considering the injunction order against the respondents, the High Court directed the police to ensure strict vigilance in the area to prevent any breach of peace and to uphold the civil court’s orders. The directive included frequent police patrols as a part of the surveillance.
