Murshidabad Unrest: Calcutta HC Establishes Panel for Displaced Residents' Rehabilitation
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Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court has established a three-member committee to address the rehabilitation of those displaced by recent violence in Murshidabad, arising from protests related to the Waqf Act. This initiative underscores the court's commitment to ensuring the welfare and safety of affected individuals and families.
Key Takeaways
- The Calcutta HC formed a three-member committee for identifying and rehabilitating displaced individuals.
- The committee includes members from human rights commissions and the State Legal Services Authority.
- Monitoring and supervision of the welfare of displaced persons are key roles of the committee.
- Compensation for lost livelihoods is mandated by the court.
- Police presence will continue in vulnerable areas to maintain order.
Kolkata, April 18 (NationPress) The Calcutta High Court has mandated the creation of a three-member committee tasked with identifying and rehabilitating individuals displaced due to the unrest during protests against the Waqf Act in Murshidabad district.
On Thursday, the court stated that this committee would include representatives from both the National Human Rights Commission and the West Bengal Human Rights Commission, along with the member secretary of the State Legal Services Authority.
A division bench led by Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury confirmed that its interim order from April 12, which involved the deployment of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in Murshidabad, would remain in effect.
"We find it suitable to form a committee of three officers to oversee and coordinate the situation," the court remarked.
The committee is charged with identifying displaced individuals, assessing the extent of property damage, and compiling data on filed FIRs.
The state administration has been instructed to provide all necessary resources to the committee to ensure compliance with the court's directives.
This committee is also responsible for facilitating FIR filings by victims and ensuring the welfare of displaced individuals during this interim period.
Furthermore, both the committee and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) established by the state must submit their respective reports by the next hearing on May 15.
The court emphasized that numerous individuals, including vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly, have been displaced, making it crucial for the state to devise a rehabilitation scheme, including the reconstruction of homes and shops damaged in the violence.
The bench mandated that adequate compensation be provided to those who have lost their livelihoods.
Additionally, the court noted the importance of supporting the families of individuals who lost their lives in the unrest.
"It is the administration's duty to safeguard those who have filed FIRs," the court stated.
The bench further specified that it is the local administration's responsibility to ensure that once all displaced individuals are reinstated, they receive full cooperation from the state to live peacefully without fear for their life, liberty, and property.
The state was directed to maintain police patrolling and establish police pickets in sensitive areas within the district.
"We have not limited the authority of the Central government, which retains the right to deploy Central Armed Forces if necessary," the bench added.
The court mentioned that the request for an NIA investigation into the violence was not considered at this stage due to insufficient evidence.
However, it noted that the Central government has the authority to initiate an NIA investigation suo motu if it believes that offenses under the NIA Act have occurred.
The court was addressing multiple petitions, including one from the Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, related to the violence.
The lawyer representing the Centre urged the court to extend the deployment of Central forces, given the situation's sensitivity.
Currently, approximately 17 companies of Central forces are stationed in the affected regions of Suti and Samserganj-Dhulian.
While submitting to the court, the state government reported that the law and order situation is presently under control.
It also mentioned that some affected families have returned to their residences.
According to one petitioner, several individuals have sought refuge in a school-turned-relief camp in the neighboring Malda district after fleeing the violence.
During the state’s representation, senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee indicated that over 270 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence as of Wednesday midnight.
He noted that an adequate number of state police, RAF, and Central Forces personnel have been deployed in the impacted areas, and a Special Investigation Team has been formed under the leadership of a Deputy Inspector General.
Furthermore, more than 1,050 social media accounts have been blocked for disseminating rumors.
Banerjee, opposing a request for the imposition of Article 355 in Murshidabad, stated that maintaining law and order is the state’s responsibility.
He assured the court that the state government is committed to restoring and rehabilitating any individuals affected by the violence.
