Supreme Court to Examine Governors' Immunity in Light of Alleged Molestation Case

The Supreme Court agreed to scrutinize Article 361 of the Constitution, which provides immunity to governors from criminal prosecution. This decision follows a molestation allegation against West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose by a Raj Bhavan employee. The Court seeks to determine the limits of gubernatorial immunity, considering the alleged victim's plea for justice.

The Supreme Court on Friday decided to review Article 361 of the Constitution, which offers 'blanket immunity' to governors against any form of criminal prosecution. This pivotal decision aligns with a plea by a contractual woman employee of West Bengal's Raj Bhavan, who accused Governor C V Ananda Bose of molestation and wrongful confinement.

A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, along with justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, issued a notice to the West Bengal government following the woman's petition. The Court also granted her the liberty to involve the central government and sought the expertise of Attorney General R Venkataramani for addressing the constitutional matter.

The woman, whose identity remains confidential, strongly argued for immediate evidence collection and investigation, stressing that immunity under Article 361 should not hinder timely justice. She demanded guidelines on gubernatorial immunity, a police probe, protection for herself and her family, and compensation for her tarnished reputation.