Supreme Court Stays Lok Sabha Privileges Committee Notices in West Bengal Clash Case

The letters sent by the Lok Sabha Secretariat's privileges committee to the chief secretary of West Bengal, the DGP, and other individuals were stayed by the Supreme Court on Monday in response to a charge of "misconduct" made against them by BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar. Majumdar was hurt last week during a brawl between BJP members and police when they were prevented from traveling to West Bengal's violent Sandeshkhali.

Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, justices JB Pardiwla and Manoj Misra, and senior attorneys Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi, who were representing state officials, made representations. The bench noted these submissions and stayed the notices that had been sent out requesting their attendance at 10.30 am on Monday.


The Lok Sabha secretariat's attorney argued that because this is the privileges committee's first meeting, the top court should not have granted the stay.

"They are not facing any charges. This is a typical procedure. Notices are issued when an MP submits one and the speaker determines that further investigation is necessary, according to the attorney.

The Lok Sabha Secretariat summoned West Bengal Chief Secretary Bhagwati Prasad Gopalika and Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar to appear on Monday.

The bench halted the lower House panel's proceedings while sending letters to the Lok Sabha Secretariat and other parties, requesting replies in four weeks.

In Sandeshkhali, where women have been protesting against alleged crimes against them by Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates, the MP and others were prevented from entering.

Several women in Sandeshkhali have accused Trinamul Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh and his allies of "land-grab and sexually assaulting" them while they were being coerced, which has caused tension in the area.

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