SC halts Lok Sabha panel action on Sandeshkhali case against top Bengal officials

The SC has intervened in the breach of privilege proceedings initiated by the Lok Sabha Privileges Committee against WB Chief Secretary Bhagwati Prasad Gopalika, Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, and other officials. The committee's action was prompted by a complaint filed by BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar, accusing the officials of misconduct and involvement in life-threatening injuries during a protest related to the Sandeshkhali violence. The Supreme Court's intervention comes in response to an urgent plea filed by the WB chief secretary, seeking orders to stay the proceedings.

The apex court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, issued a notice on the petition and subsequently stayed the breach of privilege proceedings against the top Bengal officials. The Lok Sabha Privileges Committee had summoned the officials to appear on Monday, prompting the urgency of the chief secretary's plea. The court's decision to stay the proceedings provides temporary relief to the accused officials, and the case is now scheduled to be considered after four weeks. The Sandeshkhali violence remains a contentious issue, and this legal development adds another layer to the ongoing political and legal discourse surrounding the incident.