Deepali Kalia –
Calcutta High Court on June 18th ordered the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to constitute a committee to look into the complaints by people displaced because of the post poll violence in West Bengal.
“It is the duty of the State to maintain law and order and to inspire confidence in the residents. The State from the very beginning had been denying everything but facts on record and report by State Legal Services Authority show differently.”, the Court said.
“Under these circumstances, we direct NHRC to constitute a committee to examine the complaints.”, the 5-judge Bench headed by acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal directed.
It was directed by the Bench that committee shall examine all the cases by visiting the affected places and report back to the Court about the measures that should be taken to regain confidence of the people.
The Bench was hearing a bunch of petitions which claimed that after the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) came into power in 2021 assembly elections , many people of opposition were being targeted and had to flee their houses due to the violence and were also being stopped from returning.
“The number of persons reported to have suffered as per complaints received is 3,243. In a number of cases, the complaints were referred to concerned Police station but no response was received.” The Court made the observation as per the report submitted by West Bengal State Legal Services Authority (WBSLSA) which detailed the effects of post poll violence and complaints received.
Additionally, directions were given to the State by the Court to ensure that NHRC committee is provided with the necessary assistance to visit affected areas.
“Obstruction to the same may amount to contempt of this court and will be viewed seriously and entail action under Contempt of Courts Act.”, the Court said.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on June 30th.
