NEW DELHI: The Calcutta high court on Thursday instructed the newly-elected BJP governmemt in West Bengal to “strictly maintain law and order at the ground level”. The order came after Mamata Banerjee told the court that the police had remained inactive during the post-poll violence, while also asserting that “Bengal is not a bulldozer state” in the context of continuing demolition drives against illegal structures.The court further instructed the police to guarantee the safety of those who had fled their homes fearing post-poll retaliatory violence, and to facilitate their secure return to their properties regardless of political affiliation.The writ petition was filed by Sirsanya Bandyopadhyay, a TMC candidate in the recently concluded assembly elections and son of Kalyan Banerjee, alleging widespread violence against party workers and attacks on TMC offices following the declaration of the 2026 assembly poll results on May 4. The interim order was passed by a bench comprising chief justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, which also directed the state to file its affidavit-in-opposition within three weeks and granted an additional two weeks for a reply, while keeping open the question of the maintainability of the TMC’s PIL.Assisting petitioner’s counsel Kalyan Banerjee while dressed in a lawyer’s robe, Banerjee told the court that at least 10 people had been killed, around 150-160 TMC offices vandalised and nearly 2,000 incidents of violence reported after the polls.She alleged that FIRs were not being registered and claimed that women, children and minorities were being specifically targeted. “Out of ten dead, six are Hindus. They are not allowing FIRs to be lodged. In my family, 12-year-old girls are being threatened with rape,” Banerjee argued.Arguing that criminals were taking the law into their own hands, she said even people accused of unauthorised construction were entitled to be heard before demolition. She questioned police inaction, asking, “People are entitled to be heard even if you are demolishing an unauthorised structure. Criminals are taking law into their own hands. Police should prevent crime. After an incident has happened, will they not investigate?”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal Tensions123Photostories5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? The 6-4-2 formula may be the balance your life is missing6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav
NEW DELHI: The Calcutta high court on Thursday instructed the newly-elected BJP governmemt in West Bengal to “strictly maintain law and order at the ground level”. The order came after Mamata Banerjee told the court that the police had remained inactive during the post-poll violence, while also asserting that “Bengal is not a bulldozer state” in the context of continuing demolition drives against illegal structures.The court further instructed the police to guarantee the safety of those who had fled their homes fearing post-poll retaliatory violence, and to facilitate their secure return to their properties regardless of political affiliation.The writ petition was filed by Sirsanya Bandyopadhyay, a TMC candidate in the recently concluded assembly elections and son of Kalyan Banerjee, alleging widespread violence against party workers and attacks on TMC offices following the declaration of the 2026 assembly poll results on May 4. The interim order was passed by a bench comprising chief justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, which also directed the state to file its affidavit-in-opposition within three weeks and granted an additional two weeks for a reply, while keeping open the question of the maintainability of the TMC’s PIL.Assisting petitioner’s counsel Kalyan Banerjee while dressed in a lawyer’s robe, Banerjee told the court that at least 10 people had been killed, around 150-160 TMC offices vandalised and nearly 2,000 incidents of violence reported after the polls.She alleged that FIRs were not being registered and claimed that women, children and minorities were being specifically targeted. “Out of ten dead, six are Hindus. They are not allowing FIRs to be lodged. In my family, 12-year-old girls are being threatened with rape,” Banerjee argued.Arguing that criminals were taking the law into their own hands, she said even people accused of unauthorised construction were entitled to be heard before demolition. She questioned police inaction, asking, “People are entitled to be heard even if you are demolishing an unauthorised structure. Criminals are taking law into their own hands. Police should prevent crime. After an incident has happened, will they not investigate?”
