Calcutta HC seeks report on post-poll violence in 3 weeks, mandates restoration of shops and property

Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court, comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, issued stern interim directions regarding widespread allegations of post-poll violence in West Bengal. The court mandated that the state police must ensure the safe return of all citizens who were allegedly displaced from their homes, shops, or properties following the announcement of the 2026 Assembly election results. Crucially, the bench emphasized that this protection must be provided "regardless of political affiliation," stressing that the duty of the state is to uphold the rule of law for every citizen.

The proceedings were marked by the dramatic appearance of Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who arrived at the court dressed in a lawyer's robes to personally argue the matter. Banerjee contended that Bengal is "not a bulldozer state" and presented submissions alleging that police were failing to lodge FIRs for victims, including women and minorities. Her presence followed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Shirshanya Bandyopadhyay, which highlighted attacks on party workers and the vandalism of property.

The court's verdict addressed specific grievances, including a case filed by lawyer Ritankar Das regarding the destruction of statues at Hog Market using a JCB, and a separate petition by lawyer Prabhanya Banerjee concerning post-election attacks. The bench directed the state police to file a comprehensive affidavit within the next three weeks detailing the measures taken to maintain law and order and the status of the restoration of damaged properties. While the court declined to immediately form a larger five-judge bench, it kept the door open for such a move after reviewing the state's upcoming reports.