The Calcutta High Court is set to hear a significant defamation case on Wednesday, July 3. The suit has been filed by West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose against CM Mamata Banerjee. According to the high court’s website, the case will be heard by Justice Krishna Rao.
On June 28, Governor Bose took legal action following remarks made by Mamata Banerjee. She claimed that women felt unsafe visiting the Raj Bhavan. During an administrative meeting at the state secretariat, Banerjee stated, “Women have informed me they are afraid to visit Raj Bhavan due to recent incidents reported there.”
Her comments refer to an incident on May 2, where a female contractual employee at Raj Bhavan alleged molestation by the West Bengal Governor. The Kolkata Police is currently investigating the claim. Governor Bose responded strongly to these allegations, criticizing Banerjee for making “erroneous and slanderous impressions.” He argued that these statements were “engineered narratives” intended to obstruct his efforts against corruption in the state.
According to Article 361 of the Indian Constitution, a governor is immune from criminal proceedings while in office.
Adhir Chowdhury, the State Congress president, expressed concern over the situation, saying, “These allegations and counter-allegations are tarnishing the image of West Bengal. This is nothing but a shameful episode.” In addition to the case against Banerjee, Governor Bose has filed defamation suits against other leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for similar statements. Veteran CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty commented that the ongoing conflict between the Governor and the Chief Minister shows a neglect of their constitutional responsibilities.
The outcome of this case is eagerly awaited as it unfolds in the high court, marking a significant moment in West Bengal’s political landscape.