The Supreme Court has intervened in the ongoing controversy surrounding the summons issued by the Lok Sabha Privilege Committee to West Bengal's chief secretary and other senior officials. This action comes in response to a complaint lodged by BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar, alleging misconduct and violence against him during protests in the Sandeshkhali region.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud led the bench that delivered the interim order, staying the summons while issuing notices on a writ petition filed by Chief Secretary Bhagwati Prasad Gopalika, Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, and three other officials.
The petition challenges the authority of the Lok Sabha Privilege Committee, arguing that parliamentary privileges do not extend to political activities. Filed by Gopalika, along with Sharad Kumar Dwivedi, Rajeev Kumar, Dr. Hossain Mehedi Rehman, and Partha Ghosh, the petition aims to contest the jurisdiction of the committee.
Represented by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, the officials argued that the allegations of police atrocities by Majumdar were false and countered with video evidence showing BJP supporters attacking police officials. They maintained that the accused officials were not even present at the scene.
In response, Senior Advocate Devasish Bharukha, representing the Lok Sabha Secretariat, clarified that the officials were not summoned as accused but rather to ascertain facts.
The Supreme Court, issuing a notice returnable within four weeks, stayed further proceedings based on the notices issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat against the state officials.
Last Thursday, Majumdar fell ill amid a scuffle between police and BJP supporters protesting alleged sexual harassment and violence against women in Sandeshkhali. He had to be hospitalized due to his condition.
Reacting to the judgment, BJP spokesman in West Bengal Samik Bhattacharya expressed caution, noting that while the matter has been stayed, it has not been quashed, indicating that further hearings are likely in the future.
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