Sandeshkhali: SC stays LS notices to West Bengal chief secretary, DGP on complaint of BJP MP

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the summons issued to Bhagwati Prasad Gopalika, West Bengal Chief Secretary and other officials by the privileges committee of the Lok Sabha in connection with the Sandeshkhali violence.

The summons were issued to the chief secretary on a complaint filed by West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar. A division bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, issued notice to the Lok Sabha secretariat and stayed further proceedings before the privileges committee.

Gopalika and West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar had filed a plea challenging the summons issued to them.


In his complaint, Majumdar has alleged misconduct, brutality and life-threatening injuries to him. Majumdar has alleged that this happened to him after he was allegedly stopped from entering Sandeshkhali, where women have been agitating over the alleged atrocities committed against them by Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his aides.

The summons were also issued by the Privileges Committee to the concerned District Magistrate and the Assistant Superintendent.

Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing on behalf of the West Bengal officials, argued against the invocation of privilege in this context.

While Sibal contended that political activity would not constitute a breach of privilege, Singhvi asserted that privilege was not intended for such matters. Alleging discrepancies in the complaint, Sibal pointed out that the summons was based on false claims.

He stated that contrary to the allegations, numerous police officers, including women, were injured during the incident.

Appearing on behalf of the LS Secretariat, senior advocate Devashish Bharuka clarified the privileges committee's proceedings were routine and did not imply guilt. He said the West Bengal police officials are not being accused of anything and that it is a "regular process".

However, the CJI issued notice to the LS secretariat and stayed further proceedings before the privileges committee.