Is There a Legal Challenge Against Police Action on Protesting Teachers?
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Synopsis
A petition has surfaced in the Calcutta High Court challenging police actions against teachers protesting job losses. The case highlights the struggle of 'untainted' educators against alleged state injustices and raises questions about law enforcement's role in protests. The upcoming hearing and political responses add urgency to the situation.
Key Takeaways
- Legal Action: A petition has been filed against police actions.
- Police Conduct: Accusations of excessive force and wrongful implications.
- Upcoming Hearing: Scheduled for May 21 in Calcutta High Court.
- Teachers' Demands: Call for transparency in job allocations.
- Political Fallout: Opposition plans to disrupt legislative sessions.
Kolkata, May 19 (NationPress) A legal petition has been submitted to the Calcutta High Court on Monday against the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate under the West Bengal Police concerning the cane-charge on the “untainted” or “genuine” teachers in the state who were dismissed following a Supreme Court ruling last month. The incident occurred while they were protesting outside the state education department headquarters last week.
In the petition submitted by a group of the assaulted teachers, many of whom suffered serious head and body injuries due to the police's actions, the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate is accused of using excessive force against the protesting teachers.
The petition was accepted by Justice Tirthankar Ghosh of the single-judge bench, and the hearing is scheduled for May 21.
Furthermore, the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate is accused of wrongfully implicating the injured teachers involved in last week's incident.
On Sunday, the police issued summons to 17 protesting teachers, instructing them to report for questioning at Bidhannagar North Police Station by 11 a.m. on May 21.
According to a notice obtained by IANS, these teachers were warned of potential arrest and charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, if they fail to appear.
The summons relates to a suo motu case initiated by the police.
A Calcutta High Court lawyer has also sought the court's intervention regarding the “unprovoked” and “ruthless” cane-charge on the protesting teachers, who demand that the state government and the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) publish a list distinguishing the “untainted” candidates from those who secured jobs through corrupt means.
Opposition leader in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has announced that BJP legislative members will disrupt the upcoming monsoon session starting June 9 over this issue.
On April 3, the Supreme Court upheld a prior ruling by the Calcutta High Court's division bench, which annulled 25,753 school jobs in West Bengal.
The apex court also acknowledged the Calcutta High Court's conclusion that the entire panel of candidates must be annulled due to the state government's and commission's failure to distinguish the “untainted” from the “tainted” candidates.
The state government and WBSSC have already filed review petitions regarding this matter.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this situation with an unbiased perspective. The events in Kolkata illustrate a significant intersection of law enforcement and public dissent. The plight of the teachers raises important questions about justice, transparency, and the responsibilities of state authorities. It is essential to keep the focus on the facts and ensure that justice is served without bias.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the petition at the Calcutta High Court?
The petition was triggered by police brutality against protesting teachers who lost their jobs following a Supreme Court ruling.
What accusations are made against the Bidhannagar Police?
The Bidhannagar Police are accused of excessive force and wrongfully implicating injured teachers during the cane-charge.
When is the hearing scheduled?
The hearing is scheduled for May 21.
What are the teachers protesting for?
The teachers are protesting for transparency in job allocations, demanding a list that separates genuine candidates from those who obtained jobs through corruption.
What political responses have emerged?
Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari announced that BJP members will disrupt the upcoming assembly session over this issue.
