Cal HC grants permission to Suvendu Adhikari to visit Sandeshkhali

Adhikari was also directed to submit the proposed plan of his visit along with the route map to the local police station by Monday evening. Adhikari had approached the high court seeking permission to visit Sandeshkhali and meet with people affected by the alleged atrocities.

The Calcutta High Court on Monday granted permission to Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly, to visit trouble-torn Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district. Justice Kausik Chanda directed that Adhikari be allowed to visit the Sandeshkhali gram panchayat under Sandeshkhali Block-II on Tuesday. Additionally, the court stayed the promulgation of Section 144 of the CrPC in the area by the Basirhat subdivisional officer, which prohibited the assembly of five or more persons.

In a detailed order, Justice Chanda emphasised that the right to move freely, assemble peaceably, and freedom of speech and expression are fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of India. Adhikari was directed to provide an undertaking before the local police station, pledging not to engage in any activities that may disrupt law and order during his visit. Furthermore, the SP of Basirhat was instructed to submit a report on the number of registered criminal cases relating to rape and sexual assault within the jurisdiction of Sandeshkhali police station from February 1 till date.

The matter is scheduled to be heard again after seven days. Adhikari was also directed to submit the proposed plan of his visit along with the route map to the local police station by Monday evening. The state was directed to deploy an adequate number of security personnel to ensure no untoward incident occurs during Adhikari's visit. Sandeshkhali has been witnessing protests over allegations of sexual atrocities and land grab by some local Trinamool Congress leaders. Two TMC leaders, Shiba Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar, were arrested by police on charges of alleged gangrape and attempt to murder. Adhikari had approached the high court seeking permission to visit Sandeshkhali and meet with people affected by the alleged atrocities.