Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday reprimanded the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for its language in a plea seeking to transfer cases related to the 2021 Bengal post-poll violence outside the state.
The CBI, in December, had requested the transfer of these cases, citing concerns over witness intimidation. However, the wording of the petition—particularly references to a “hostile environment prevailing in Bengal courts”—drew criticism from the court.
A bench comprising Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Pankaj Mithal expressed concern over the agency’s allegations against the judiciary in West Bengal. “You are implying that the entire judiciary in Bengal is under a hostile atmosphere,” the court remarked, addressing Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who was representing the CBI. “Mr. Raju, what kind of grounds are you presenting in this petition?”
The bench further questioned, “How can you assert that a ‘hostile atmosphere prevails in Bengal courts’? Your officers may have disagreements with judicial officers, but such sweeping statements are unacceptable.”
The court went on to warn the CBI of potential contempt proceedings. However, after Mr. Raju apologized and admitted the petition had been “loosely drafted,” the court permitted its withdrawal. Mr. Raju assured the court that a revised petition would be filed.
The CBI had been tasked by the Calcutta High Court to investigate incidents of “heinous crimes of rape and murder” that occurred following the 2021 West Bengal Assembly election. The election had seen the Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, retain power amidst widespread reports of violence, with both the ruling party and the opposition BJP accusing each other of atrocities.
The High Court, in its directive, had criticized the West Bengal police for failing to register complaints related to severe crimes and accused the force of favoring those connected to the ruling party. The BJP hailed the High Court’s intervention as a “historic” move, while the Trinamool Congress expressed discontent over the CBI’s involvement in the investigation.
