Justices inquire about the state’s appeal against investigating TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh
In a courtroom confrontation today, the Supreme Court of India questioned why the West Bengal government was resisting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into allegations against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh in the Sandeshkhali case.
During the hearing, Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta queried Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing West Bengal, after he sought a delay of two to three weeks to present additional information. “Why should the State file an appeal against the CBI investigating allegations against a private individual?” the Court asked.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Court ultimately decided to adjourn the matter to July, with Singhvi assuring that the case would not be mentioned in proceedings before the Calcutta High Court.
The issue arose after the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation into allegations of sexual assault and land grabbing by TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh to the CBI on April 10. The High Court, in a suo motu case, ordered the transfer, refusing to appoint an Enquiry Committee headed by a former High Court judge.
Singhvi’s request for postponement came amidst the State’s appeal against the High Court’s decision to the Supreme Court. The High Court was investigating the unrest in Sandeshkhali following the allegations against Sheikh, who was later arrested by the West Bengal Police after nearly 55 days on the run.
Notably, the High Court directed the CBI to ensure the confidentiality of complainants and create a dedicated portal/email ID for complaints. It also instructed the District Magistrate of North 24 Parganas to publicize this information.
Shahjahan Sheikh has previously faced accusations of orchestrating a mob attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers in January. The ED officers were en route to raid his residence as part of a probe into a ration scam. The Calcutta High Court had transferred the probe into this attack to the CBI on March 5.
Representing the CBI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati appeared in court, while Dr. Singhvi and Senior Advocate Jaideep Gupta represented the West Bengal government
