The Calcutta High Court has intervened in response to reports of alleged sexual harassment of women and forceful transfer of tribal land in Sandeshkhali. Expressing deep concern over these allegations, the court directed the Registrar General to issue notices to state officials and police authorities for a hearing on February 20. Advocate Jayant Narayan Chatterjee has been appointed as amicus curiae to assist the court in the case. The government lawyer, representing the state, was present during the court proceedings.
Protests have been ongoing in Sandeshkhali, prompting the High Court to cancel the prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC, which were imposed on February 9. The court's decision came in response to a petition filed by two residents of Sandeshkhali seeking the lifting of the prohibitory orders. Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari condemned the incidents in Sandeshkhali, urging the National Commission for Women and the National Human Rights Commission to take strict action.