Adding to the spate of petitions in the Supreme Court, crying foul over alleged violence in West Bengal after the announcement of election results on May 2, another PIL has reached the top court, mentioned by Senior Advocate Pinky Anand, alleging that 1,00,000 people have been “displaced” in the state.
Other petitions have also alleged that BJP sympathizers and members have been allegedly targeted by Trinamool Congress “goons” and there was a situation of “terror” in the state.
The Bench of Justices Vineet Saran and B.R. Gavai has agreed to hear the petition next week.
The petition has been filed by Arun Mukerjee, along with other businessmen, social workers, and lawyers, seeking direction for the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incidents of political violence.
The plea alleged: “Police proves to be a mere spectator in the entire episode, discouraging and threatening victims from filing FIR’s, non-investigation of cases, inaction in incidents where cognizable offenses have been committed in presence of the police authorities, non-provision of security to those facing threats to life, etc.”
The petition further sought the following directions:
I) to the Central Government to protect the state from internal disturbance and to ensure that the government in the state is carried on, in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
II) to provide immediate relief to the internally displaced persons affected due to post-poll violence by setting up camps, make provision for food, medicines, pandemic resources, and make appropriate medical facilities accessible to them in light of the Covid pandemic.
III) to the Central Government to constitute an inquiry commission to assess the scale and causes of the exodus as well as direct the West Bengal Government to provide long-term relief to the internally displaced persons.
IV) to set up an alternative helpline number, monitored by Central forces to respond to SOS calls and also record complaints/FIRs of internally displaced persons within and outside the state of West Bengal.
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V) to deploy Central protection forces, including armed forces, for the restoration of law and order in the state of West Bengal.
VI) to set up and/or establishing a fast-track court to adjudicate the matters pertaining to the prosecution of any individual or organization involved in the commission of heinous offences.
Source: ILNS