WB post-poll violence: 2093 women lawyers write to CJI to take cognizance of the matter
| 24-May-2021 |
In a major move, a total of 2,093 women lawyers from across the country, including from West Bengal wrote to Chief Justice of India N V Ramana on Monday urging him to take cognizance of post-poll violence in West Bengal and constitute a Special Investigation Team to investigate the matter. The letter signed by the women advocates specifically mentions how the "constitutional crisis" and "deplorable" condition of the citizens residing in West Bengal continued due to violence since May 2 in which the "perpetrators" have not even spared women and children.
“Take cognizance of the matter and constitute a Special Investigation Team to register FIRs and investigate into the deaths and other vengeful attacks as being reported in news,” the letter urged. “The incidents of violence have shackled the conscience of thousands of women lawyers across the length and breadth of 'Bharat'. It is stated with utmost grief that the perpetrators of violence have not even spared women and children,” it said.
The women lawyers alleged that the police were "hand in gloves" with the goons and the victims were not in a position to even register their complaints and that there is a complete breakdown of the constitutional machinery in the state.
The plea urged the top court to constitute an SIT to register FIRs and investigate the deaths and other attacks.
Through the letter, the signatories have sought for a nodal officer, not belonging to West Bengal Police, to be appointed to register the complaints of the victims. “Direct court monitored investigation in a time bound manner, trial by specially constituted fast track court wherever charge sheet is filed by the SIT regarding cases emanating from the post poll violence in the State of West Bengal; “Issue Directions that all post poll violence victims/family members may be duly compensated for death /injuries, loss of property etc. by the State of West Bengal,” it further said.
The letter also urged the CJI to ask the Director General of Police, West Bengal, to set up an effective complaint mechanism at all levels on priority basis and to file a daily report before the apex court, regarding the complaints received by Police Department from all channels. PTI
Read Full Letter here👇🏻👇🏻