Key Takeaways
- West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee made a historic appearance before the Supreme Court in the Sandeshkhali case.
- The Supreme Court questioned the state’s opposition to a CBI probe and asked for a detailed affidavit.
- Banerjee stated faith in the court but alleged the CBI works under central government pressure.
- The next hearing is scheduled for July 16.
In an unprecedented move, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally appeared before the Supreme Court on Tuesday during a hearing on the Sandeshkhali violence case. This marks the first time a sitting chief minister has presented themselves before the apex court in a legal matter.
Court Questions State’s Stance on CBI Probe
Banerjee appeared before a bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan. The court is hearing the state government’s petition challenging the Calcutta High Court’s order to transfer the investigation of the attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
During proceedings, the Supreme Court directly questioned the West Bengal government’s opposition to the CBI probe, noting that the state’s affidavit failed to present specific allegations against the federal agency.
“Faith in Court, Not in CBI”: Mamata Banerjee’s Stand
Responding to the court’s query, Chief Minister Banerjee made a clear distinction between her faith in the judiciary and her distrust of the investigating agency. “I have full faith in the court. But we do not have faith in the CBI. The CBI is being used as a tool by the Centre,” she stated before the bench.
She reiterated that while the state government respects the Supreme Court, it believes the CBI operates under pressure from the central government.
Next Steps and Case Background
The Supreme Court has directed the West Bengal government to submit a detailed affidavit outlining its specific objections to the CBI investigation. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on July 16.
The case originates from a January 5 attack on ED officials in Sandeshkhali. The officers were conducting raids at the residence of Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh when a mob assaulted them, leaving three officials injured. Following the Calcutta High Court’s order for a CBI probe, the state government approached the Supreme Court seeking relief.
