'Not Did Anything For Months': Supreme Court Dismisses West Bengal Government's Plea Against CBI Probe In Sandeshkhali

The Supreme Court on Monday (8 July) dismissed the West Bengal government's plea challenging the Calcutta High Court (HC)'s order in the Sandeshkhali case.

Calcutta HC has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into allegations of sexual assault and land grabs against local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders including now-suspended Shahjahan Sheikh.

The matter was earlier taken up by the Supreme Court on 29 April where Justice B R Gavai questioned, "Why should the State come as a petitioner for protecting the interest of some private (individual)?"

Senior Advocate Jaideep Gupta, appearing for West Bengal, defended by saying that comments were made against the state government, LiveLaw reported.

The matter was then adjourned at the request of Senior Advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who on behalf of West Bengal argued that the pendency would not be used for any other purpose.

While appearing Singhvi objected to the CBI probe in all matters like sexual assault, land grabs and ration scam and argued that CBI should be restricted to only two Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases.

In response, Justice Gavai slammed the TMC-led government for not doing anything for months and questioned again, "Why the state should be interested in protecting someone?"

Singhvi defended by saying that much work has been done in the ration scam probe. However, the bench of Justices Gavai and K V Viswanathan was not convinced and passed the order in favour of the CBI probe.