In a significant legal setback for BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, the Calcutta High Court has withdrawn the blanket protection he previously enjoyed from police action. The court has instead established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct thorough investigations into four specific cases filed against the prominent opposition leader.
Court's Balanced Approach
Justice Jay Sengupta delivered the landmark judgment that strikes a balance between allowing legitimate investigations to proceed while ensuring the political leader's rights are protected. The court emphasized that while Adhikari cannot claim absolute immunity, the newly formed SIT must follow proper procedures and obtain necessary court permissions before taking any coercive actions.
The Four Cases Under Scanner
The SIT will specifically investigate four cases that have been filed against the BJP leader:
- Narada sting operation case
- Saradha chit fund scandal
- Two additional corruption cases related to his previous tenure
Political Implications
This development carries significant political weight in West Bengal's volatile political landscape. Suvendu Adhikari, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, has been a vocal critic of the ruling Trinamool Congress government. The court's decision is seen as a crucial test for the state's legal and political systems.
Investigation Framework
The High Court has laid down specific guidelines for the SIT's functioning:
- The team must complete investigations in a time-bound manner
- All procedures must follow established legal protocols
- Regular updates must be submitted to the court
- No coercive action without prior court approval
The judgment represents a middle path that acknowledges the need for proper investigation while preventing potential misuse of power, setting an important precedent for political cases in the state.
