Synopsis
On March 12, the Calcutta High Court directed a Jadavpur University student to cooperate with the Kolkata Police investigation regarding campus disturbances from March 1. The court emphasized the need for accountability and scheduled the next hearing for April 4.Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court mandates student cooperation.
- Police investigation into March 1 campus unrest.
- Next hearing set for April 4.
- Concerns over police conduct raised.
- Mobile phone return mandated by the court.
Kolkata, March 12 (NationPress) A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court has instructed a student from Jadavpur University (JU) to assist in the ongoing investigation by Kolkata Police concerning the disturbances that occurred on the university campus on March 1.
On March 10, a JU student filed a petition with the Calcutta High Court, alleging that the Kolkata Police had committed excesses against students, including himself, under the guise of investigation.
This case was presented before Justice Tirthankar Ghosh on Wednesday. Following the hearing, Justice Ghosh stated that the court would refrain from intervening, and the student in question must cooperate with the police.
Justice Ghosh further remarked that granting relief to the petitioner solely based on his status as a student would set a negative precedent. The next court session is scheduled for April 4, with all involved parties required to submit their affidavits by that date.
On Wednesday, the petitioner's attorney also requested the court to instruct the investigating officers to return his client's mobile phone. The lawyer contended that since the Supreme Court had recognized the mobile phone as a “personal device”, it was inappropriate for the police to demand its submission from a student.
Justice Ghosh noted that the police must return the mobile phone to the petitioner, even if it had been taken for investigation purposes. He emphasized that the police should ensure the petitioner is not forced to buy a new mobile phone due to this situation.
The unrest at Jadavpur University erupted on March 1 when the vehicle of State Education Minister Bratya Basu was reportedly halted upon entering the campus, leading to a scuffle.
Students were advocating for immediate elections for the university's student council.
The protesting students alleged that as Basu attempted to exit the campus amid the protests, his vehicle intentionally struck two demonstrators, resulting in severe injuries that necessitated hospitalization.
During the protests, the Minister sustained minor injuries and fell ill, prompting his transfer to S.S.K.M. Medical College and Hospital, from which he was later discharged.
