SC Stays Summons in Sandeshkhali Case: 'Political Activity Not a Breach of Privilege,' Asserts Sibal

The Supreme Court on Monday intervened in the matter related to the Sandeshkhali violence, staying the summons issued to West Bengal Chief Secretary Bhagwati Prasad Gopalika and other officers by the privileges committee of the Lok Sabha. The summons was in response to a complaint filed by West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, issued notice to the Lok Sabha secretariat and halted further proceedings before the privileges committee.

Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented the West Bengal officials, arguing against the invocation of privilege in this context. Sibal emphasized that "political activity would not constitute a breach of privilege," while Singhvi asserted that privilege was not intended for such matters.

Sibal brought attention to discrepancies in Majumdar's complaint, highlighting that it was based on false claims. He stated that contrary to the allegations, numerous police officers, including women, were injured during the incident.

"38 police officers of West Bengal were injured. 8 were lady police officers. The video also shows that a BJP lady member pushed the complainant, and that is how he got hurt. We can show the video," Sibal remarked.

Senior Advocate Devashish Bharuka, representing the Lok Sabha secretariat, clarified that the privileges committee's proceedings were routine and did not imply guilt.

"This is the first sitting of the privileges committee. They are not being accused of anything. This is a regular process. Once an MP sends a notice and the speaker thinks there is something to look into, then," Bharuka explained.

In response, the Chief Justice issued notice to the Lok Sabha secretariat and stayed further proceedings before the privileges committee, signaling the court's intervention in the ongoing dispute.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News writer, MIT ADT University