Breaking News: Calcutta HC Issues Powerful Interim Order Protecting West Bengal Governor from Defamatory Comments
Kolkata, July 16: In a significant development, the Calcutta High Court has imposed an interim stay on any disparaging comments about West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose amid his defamation suit against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The decision, handed down by Justice Krishna Rao’s single-judge bench, came after the Governor’s counsel sought a temporary injunction preventing any further derogatory remarks until the case’s resolution.
The interim order, effective until August 14, was published on the Calcutta High Court’s website on Tuesday. Justice Rao underscored the necessity of the injunction, observing that unchecked defamatory statements could harm the Governor’s reputation. "In appropriate cases where statements have been made recklessly aiming to injure the plaintiff’s reputation, the court would be justified in granting an injunction," Justice Rao noted. He emphasized that the “balance of convenience” tilts in favor of Governor Bose due to his constitutional authority.
Justice Rao’s order mandates that all parties refrain from making defamatory statements about the Governor, either through publications or social media platforms, until August 14, 2024. The defamation suit stems from critical remarks made by Chief Minister Banerjee regarding the Governor, particularly in the context of the oath-taking ceremony for two newly elected MLAs. Banerjee had supported the MLAs’ refusal to attend the ceremony at the Raj Bhavan, alleging that women felt unsafe there after a molestation accusation against Governor Bose by a contractual female employee on May 2.
This accusation led to a police enquiry, though Article 361 of the Indian Constitution protects a sitting Governor from criminal proceedings during their term. The court’s order aims to prevent further harm to Governor Bose’s reputation while the defamation case proceeds.
IANS
This summary is crafted to align with a professional journalistic tone, ensuring it is engaging and concise while highlighting the key details of the High Court’s interim stay and the defamation context. Let me know if you need further adjustments or specific details!
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/07/16/calcutta-hc-interim-order-bars-any-derogatory-comment-against-west-bengal-governor/
Category : NATIONAL,News Alert
Tags:
