The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre and the West Bengal Government to respond to a plea seeking directions to prevent the alleged exodus due to “state-sponsored” violence after the Assembly polls, constituting an SIT to probe the issue and taking action against the culprits. The National Human Rights Commission and National Commission for Women were also allowed to implead in the petition against the post-poll violence in West Bengal.
The vacation bench of Justices Vineet Saran and B R Gavai said the replies of the Centre and West Bengal should be filed in the matter and the plea should be listed for further hearing in the week starting June 7.
During the brief hearing conducted through video conferencing, senior advocate Pinky Anand, who is also a BJP leader, appearing for petitioners who are social workers, lawyers and a victim of alleged post-poll violence, said more than one lakh people have been displaced due to the post-poll violence in the state. She said many commissions like NHRC and NCW have taken note of the situation in the State and they too be made party in the case.
The bench asked Anand to file an application on this during the course of the day and allowed making the commissions parties in the case. Anand also said that an interim relief be granted as people staying in camps need rehabilitation. The bench, however said, “Nothing happens ex-parte. We have to hear other parties. Let them file their replies.” The PIL filed by social worker Arun Mukherjee and others said that they are aggrieved with the post electoral violence in West Bengal from May 2 onwards.
The petitions alleged that the police and the state-sponsored goons are in cahoots because of which the police prove to be a mere spectator in the entire episode, discouraging and threatening victims from filing FIRs. It further alleged there was no investigation of cases, inaction in incidents where cognizable offences have been committed in the presence of police authorities and there was no provision of security to those facing threats to life.
“No support/assistance was offered from the State Government and even their security was compromised at many instances. They have reported the inaction of the police in providing protection to the women, who were attacked and threatened by hooligans and no action was taken by the police officials in this regard,” the plea submitted, narrating the violence unleashed by the Trinamool Congress cadre after the election victory.
“The exodus of the people in West Bengal due to state- sponsored violence has posed serious humanitarian issues related to their survival, where they are forced to live in deplorable conditions, in violation of their fundamental rights enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” it submitted.
The plea also sought formation of Commission for rehabilitation of displaced persons, compensation for loss of family members, property, and livelihood, mental and emotional agony.