Supreme Court Extends Stay on Summons Issued to West Bengal Officials

The Supreme Court has extended the stay on summons issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat to West Bengal officials until July 19. The summons related to an alleged breach of privilege by the officials, following a complaint by BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar over a misconduct incident. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud granted the extension pending further arguments.

The Supreme Court has extended the stay on notices issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, which summoned the West Bengal chief secretary, DGP, and other officials concerning an alleged breach of privilege until July 19.

On April 15, the court had previously allowed two weeks for replies to be filed by the Lok Sabha Secretariat and others to the plea moved by the state's top bureaucrats. The summons were issued over a complaint of misconduct filed by BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar related to an incident in the violence-hit Sandeshkhali area.

The hearing was adjourned by a bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud after it was informed that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was unavailable. Senior advocates for the officials argued no breach of privilege could be alleged for actions committed outside the House.