The Supreme Court will hear a plea on Tuesday that seeks President’s Rule in West Bengal. This follows communal clashes in Murshidabad after protests against a new Waqf law. Petitioners Devdutta Maji and Mani Munjal filed the application. They alleged that Hindus were attacked during these protests.
Petition Cites Attacks After Waqf Law
The plea claims the violence broke out after the state introduced a law to regulate Islamic charitable endowments. According to the petitioners, this led to targeted attacks on Hindus. They urged the Supreme Court to act and ensure constitutional order in the state.
Lawyer Requests Hearing With 2021 Cases
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain mentioned the plea in court. He requested that it be heard with earlier petitions related to post-election violence in 2021. The bench, led by Justices Bhushan R Gavai and AG Masih, responded firmly.
“You want us to issue a writ of mandamus to impose President’s Rule. As it is, we are being blamed for encroaching upon the legislative and executive functions,” the judges noted.
Judges React to Vice President’s Criticism
The bench’s remark comes after Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar criticized the court. Dhankhar reacted to its April 8 ruling, where the SC gave a three-month deadline for Presidential assent to state bills. He called the court a “super Parliament” and said Article 142 had become a “nuclear missile” against democracy.
BJP MP Slams Court; Nadda Defends Judiciary
On Saturday, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey criticized the court’s observations on the Waqf law. He said they were “responsible for inciting religious wars.” However, BJP president JP Nadda clarified the party’s position. “The BJP has always respected the judiciary and gladly accepted its orders and suggestions,” Nadda said.
SC Allows Plea Listing After Lawyer’s Appeal
Despite the controversy, the bench allowed the plea to be listed. Advocate Jain said, “All we seek is a report under Article 355 of the Constitution from the state.” Article 355 requires the Centre to protect states against internal unrest and to ensure they follow the Constitution.
Petition Lists Violence Since 2022
The petition mentions violence against Hindus in the state from 2022 to April 2025. It also asks for an independent investigation. Specifically, it requests a three-member panel led by a retired Supreme Court judge to probe the Murshidabad violence.
Plea Seeks Central Forces in Affected Areas
Additionally, the petition calls for central forces to be deployed in troubled regions. It urges the state to safeguard citizens’ life, liberty, and dignity.
Ram Navami, Holi Incidents Highlighted
The plea also mentions other incidents. These include violence on Ram Navami in Kolkata on April 6 and stone-pelting during Holi celebrations in Birbhum. Furthermore, it refers to unrest in Sandeshkhali. The petition accuses local TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh of land grabbing and sexual assault.
