In a fresh development in the standoff between Bengal police and the CBI over the custody of Sheikh Shahjahan, the Calcutta High Court has set a new deadline for the Bengal authorities to hand him over to the central agency. The bench, comprising Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, has directed Bengal police to transfer Shahjahan’s custody to the CBI by 4:15 pm today.
SC’s Ruling challenged:
Yesterday, the high court had instructed Bengal police to transfer the expelled Trinamool Congress leader to the CBI by 4:30 pm. However, the Mamata Banerjee government challenged this ruling in the Supreme Court. Despite the CBI’s attempt to take Shahjahan into custody yesterday, they were informed that the matter was sub judice in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, however, declined the Bengal government’s plea for an urgent hearing.
The state government has argued that the high court’s order goes against the principle of federalism. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Bengal government, remarked, “The urgency lies in their demand for immediate compliance with an interim order.” In response, a bench led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna advised the state government to approach Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud for the listing of their petition.
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Court’s order to hand over the accused:
Emphasizing the seriousness of its order, the high court today insisted on the implementation of its directive. “Since the Supreme Court has not issued a stay, Shahjahan must be handed over to the CBI by 4:15 pm today,” it asserted.
Furthermore, the high court has issued a contempt notice and instructed the Criminal Investigation Department of Bengal police to submit an affidavit within two weeks.
Sandshkhali Turmoil:
Sheikh Shahjahan finds himself at the epicenter of the political turmoil surrounding Sandeshkhali island in Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district. Residents of the island have levelled accusations of harassment, land grabbing, and extortion against Shahjahan and his associates.
Shahjahan first gained notoriety in January when an Enforcement Directorate team faced a mob attack during a raid on his properties. He remained evasive for 52 days before being apprehended by Bengal police. The BJP has consistently accused the Trinamool Congress of shielding Shahjahan and contends that only an investigation by central agencies can ensure justice for the people of Sandeshkhali.
The Trinamool Congress expelled Shahjahan for six years. In response to BJP allegations, it has questioned why the central agencies took so long to arrest him.
