Introduction:

In response to large-scale violence in Bengal’s Murshidabad district following protests against the newly implemented Waqf Bill, the Calcutta High Court issued crucial directions to curb further unrest and restore peace. The PIL sought intervention regarding the ongoing violence, which led to multiple deaths and widespread property damage. The petitioners argued that the state government’s failure to maintain law and order had exacerbated the situation. On the other hand, the state government contended that it had already taken necessary steps to handle the crisis, but the situation had spiralled out of control due to provocative speeches and external elements. The division bench, consisting of Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury, took note of the violent protests, which included blockades, property destruction, and clashes between protesters and police, resulting in fatalities and injuries. The court decided to take stringent measures to address the situation, emphasising the urgency of restoring public order and ensuring safety in the affected areas.

Arguments of Both Sides:

The petitioners contended that the state government had failed to act effectively in controlling the violence and that provocative speeches in the area had further aggravated the situation. They urged the court to issue directives to prevent such inflammatory speeches and to take immediate steps to restore normalcy in the region. They highlighted the widespread damage and displacement caused by the protests, which had disrupted daily life and posed a significant threat to public safety. On the other hand, the state government argued that it had deployed police forces and taken steps to control the situation, but the violence had escalated due to the inflammatory rhetoric of certain political leaders and protestors. The government further stated that it was committed to providing relief and rehabilitating displaced individuals, but the situation remained difficult to manage due to external provocations.

Court’s Judgment:

The court, after hearing the submissions, decided to pass a series of orders aimed at restoring peace in Murshidabad. It directed the central government to deploy central forces in the district to maintain law and order, ensuring that the state authorities could effectively deal with the situation. The court also imposed restrictions on provocative speeches, instructing the local authorities to prevent inflammatory statements that could escalate the tensions. Furthermore, the court directed the state government to form a special team to investigate the incidents of violence, identify those responsible for inciting disturbances, and take necessary action. It also emphasised the need for rehabilitating those who had been displaced due to the violence. The court ordered the state government to take swift action under the law to restore normalcy and provide relief to the affected individuals. Additionally, the court noted that the violence had been exacerbated by inflammatory rhetoric, which had contributed to the chaos. The bench also instructed the state to ensure that such speeches did not go unaddressed and were dealt with appropriately under the law.