Why Did the Calcutta HC Stay the Defamation Suit Against Adhikari?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal development, the Calcutta High Court has stayed the defamation lawsuit against Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, by Minister Pulak Roy. This case raises questions about political accountability and the transparency of public projects.
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court stays proceedings on defamation suit.
- Legal battle involves Suvendu Adhikari and Pulak Roy.
- Allegations center around procurement irregularities.
- Jal Jeevan Mission aims for water access by 2024.
- Interim stay reflects ongoing political tensions.
Kolkata, June 25 (NationPress) The Calcutta High Court has issued an interim stay on the defamation lawsuit brought against Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, by Pulak Roy, the state’s Public Health Engineering Minister. The defamation claim was filed at a district court in Uluberia, situated in the Howrah district adjacent to Kolkata.
Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, serving on the Calcutta High Court's bench, has ruled that no hearing or trial can proceed at the district court until further directives from the High Court.
Previously, Adhikari had accused Roy and his department of misconduct regarding the procurement of drinking water ferrules under the central government’s Jal Jeevan Mission. This initiative aims to ensure all rural households in India receive safe and sufficient drinking water via individual tap connections by 2024.
Adhikari contended that the ferrules were acquired for ₹570 each, significantly exceeding the market rate of ₹218, and alleged that there were irregularities amounting to ₹500 crore in the ₹1,086 crore project.
Roy, representing the Trinamool Congress from the Uluberia Dakshin Assembly segment, challenged Adhikari’s statements by filing the defamation suit in Uluberia’s sub-division court.
In his lawsuit, Roy claimed that Adhikari’s accusations were based solely on verbal assertions without any substantial evidence.
In response, Adhikari approached the Calcutta High Court to contest the defamation suit and requested a stay on the proceedings. His legal counsel argued that Adhikari’s claims were backed by specific documents and figures.
After several hearings, the Calcutta High Court has now placed an interim hold on the district court’s trial and hearings until further notice.
Point of View
This case underscores the complexities of political discourse in India. It reflects the ongoing battle between accountability and defamation in a charged political environment. As the court navigates this intricate legal landscape, it serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and integrity in public office.
NationPress
25/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis of the defamation suit?
The defamation suit was filed by Pulak Roy against Suvendu Adhikari, who accused Roy's department of financial irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission project.
What did Suvendu Adhikari allege?
Adhikari alleged that the ferrules were purchased at an inflated price, leading to significant financial discrepancies in the project.
What is the Jal Jeevan Mission?
The Jal Jeevan Mission is a government initiative aimed at providing safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections to all rural households by 2024.
What was the court's ruling on the matter?
The Calcutta High Court issued an interim stay on the proceedings, preventing any further action in the district court until further notice.
How does this case reflect on political accountability?
This case highlights the challenges of maintaining transparency and accountability in public projects, especially amidst political rivalries.
