On Monday, the Supreme Court rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into allegations of sexual violence against women in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal. The petitioner sought to draw comparisons with a similar situation in Manipur last year, where an SIT probe was initiated. However, Justice BV Nagarathna discouraged making comparisons with the situation in Manipur.
The panel, comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih, observed that the Calcutta High Court has already acknowledged the matter and possesses the authority to grant the relief sought by the petitioner. “Let there be no dual forums,” the panel remarked, allowing the PIL petitioner the liberty to approach the high court.
Petitioner and lawyer Alakh Alok Srivastava withdrew the PIL after the panel showed reluctance to address the matter, resulting in its dismissal.
Sandeshkhali, a village situated in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, is currently embroiled in violent protests. The unrest is linked to accusations against local Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters, who are accused of involvement in land grabbing and sexual assault.
Sheikh has been evading authorities since a group, allegedly affiliated with him, attacked Enforcement Directorate officials while they were conducting investigations at his property regarding a corruption case.
Several women from the North 24 Parganas district have stepped forward, accusing Trinamool leaders of involvement in land grabbing and sexual assault.
Accusations have been made against Shahjahan Sheikh, Uttam Sardar, and Shibaprasad Hazra for their alleged role in sexually harassing women in the Sandeshkhali area of the district. Notably, Uttam Sardar has already been apprehended.
