The Calcutta High Court has ordered the West Bengal government to submit an official status report on the ongoing police investigation into violence that erupted during a student-led demonstration in central Kolkata on July 24.
Justice Krishna Rao issued the directive while hearing a petition filed by a journalist who sustained injuries during the unrest at Esplanade. The court has scheduled the next hearing for August 25, when the state must present its progress report.
Call for Protest Guidelines
In the petition, the injured reporter requested judicial directions instructing state authorities to establish a uniform and mandatory regulatory framework governing public demonstrations and rallies across West Bengal. The filing also urged the court to ensure a thorough, uninterrupted inquiry to identify and prosecute all individuals and groups responsible for the unrest.
Legal counsel for the petitioner stated that outsider elements infiltrated a demonstration organized by Left-wing student groups over the NEET examination paper leak controversy. The resulting violence led to attacks on police officers and members of the press.
State Response and Legal Arguments
Despite the clashes, the petition noted that law enforcement personnel intervened swiftly to handle the situation and that state officials arranged medical treatment and hospitalization for the injured journalists.
Appearing for the West Bengal government, Additional Advocate General Billwadal Bhattacharyya informed the bench that authorities are implementing comprehensive measures to maintain public order and ensure the safety of citizens.
