The Calcutta High Court in the case The Court’s on its Own Motion v State of West Bengal observed and took the suo moto cognizance of newspaper reports on alleged sexual harassment of women living in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, and tribal lands that had been taken over forcibly.
The bench headed by single judge Justice Apurba Sinha Ray in the case observed and took cognizance of the matter, who is being appointed an amicus curiae, thus, the court issued notice to the authorities.
The bench stated that I have been grossly disappointed after going through several newspapers and electronic media reporting’s where it has been reported that a good numbers of ladies in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas have been sexually assaulted at gun points.
Further, the court stated that it has also been alleged in the newspaper namely, Anandabazar, Indian Express, and many other newspapers including different electronic media on February 09, 2024 as well as February 10, 2024 that the tribal lands were taken away forcibly in violation of all legal formalities and laws.
The court in the case also observed that there was violence over the properties of the innocent people in the area.
The counsel, Public prosecutor for the state submitted before the court that the Court had power under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to take suo moto cognizance of the events in Sandeshkhali, and that the Advocate General for the State would appear in the matter.
Further, the court in the case observed that due to the alleged incidents and appointed Advocate, Jayanta Narayan Chattopadhyay, as amicus curiae.
The court issued the notice on the State, Inspector General of Police, DIG of Police, Barasat Range, Superintendent of Police And District Magistrate of North 24 Parganas.
The court while considering the facts and circumstances of the case directed for the order to be communicated to the Registrar General, High Court Calcutta for taking appropriate steps.
Accordingly, the court listed the matter for further consideration on February 20, 2024.