Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court criticized the West Bengal government's efforts to manage unrest in Murshidabad regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Act, deeming them insufficient. The court ordered CAPF deployment until April 17 to ensure public safety and emphasized the need for urgent action against violators.Key Takeaways
- The court found the government's measures inadequate.
- CAPF deployment is mandated until April 17.
- Timely intervention could have mitigated the unrest.
- The court emphasized the need for swift action against perpetrators.
- Safety of citizens must be prioritized by the state.
Kolkata, April 13 (NationPress) The actions implemented by the West Bengal government to address communal unrest in Murshidabad district over recent protests against the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, which escalated into violence, were deemed insufficient by a special division bench of the Calcutta High Court, which has mandated the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the area until April 17.
The court noted, “While we acknowledge the state's commitment to fostering peaceful cohabitation among diverse communities, the measures implemented thus far are inadequate.” This statement was part of the order from the special division bench comprising Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury.
The bench remarked that, had the CAPF been deployed earlier, the circumstances would not have escalated to such a “grave” and “volatile” state.
“Timely deployment of the Central Armed Forces could have significantly reduced tensions, as it seems that proper measures were not executed promptly,” the court asserted.
Furthermore, the division bench clarified that the CAPF's presence is intended solely to assist the state administration in safeguarding the residents of this region.
Highlighting the situation's “grave” and “volatile” nature, the bench emphasized the urgent need for action against those responsible for the violence inflicted on innocent civilians.
“Constitutional Courts cannot remain passive bystanders and get entangled in procedural defenses when public safety is jeopardized,” the order stated.
The court reiterated its duty to protect citizens, affirming that every individual has the right to life and that it is the state's obligation to ensure the security of every citizen's life and property.
“It is undeniable that instances of violence among communities have been recurrent in various parts of West Bengal, and the troubling situation that persists today cannot be overlooked,” the court concluded.
