Calcutta High Court Establishes Committee for Rehabilitation of Displaced Individuals from Murshidabad Violence

The Calcutta High Court has mandated the creation of a three-member committee to address the displacement caused by protests over the Waqf Amendment Act in Murshidabad. This committee will identify and rehabilitate those affected. The court's interim order from April 12, which called for Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) deployment in the area, remains in effect.

The committee will include representatives from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), West Bengal Human Rights Commission (WBHRC), and the State Legal Services Authority (SLSA). Their responsibilities include identifying displaced individuals, assessing property damage, and gathering data on filed FIRs. They will also assist victims in filing FIRs and ensure their well-being during this period.

State's Role and Responsibilities

The state administration must provide necessary infrastructure to support the committee's work. Both the committee and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the state are required to submit reports by May 15. The court emphasized the need for a rehabilitation plan for displaced individuals, including rebuilding homes and shops damaged in the violence.

Compensation for those who lost their livelihoods is essential, as is support for families of deceased victims. The administration must protect FIR complainants and ensure that displaced persons can return safely without threats to their life or property. Continuous police patrolling in vulnerable areas is also mandated.

Central Government's Authority

The court clarified that it has not restricted the central government's power to deploy armed forces if necessary. Although a request for an NIA investigation was made, it was not considered due to insufficient evidence. However, the central government can initiate an NIA probe if deemed appropriate under the NIA Act.

During the hearing, several petitions were reviewed, including one from Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari. The Centre's lawyer requested an extension of CAPF deployment due to ongoing tensions. Currently, 17 companies of central forces are stationed in troubled areas like Suti and Samserganj-Dhulian.

State Government's Measures

The state government reported that law and order are under control, with some displaced families returning home. A relief camp in Malda district shelters others who fled the violence. Senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee stated that over 270 arrests have been made related to the unrest.

Banerjee highlighted that state police, RAF, and CAPF personnel are adequately deployed. A SIT led by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) is investigating. Over 1,050 social media accounts spreading rumours have been blocked. Banerjee opposed invoking Article 355, asserting that maintaining law and order is a state responsibility.

The state government assured the court of its commitment to restoring and rehabilitating those displaced by violence. This assurance aims to address concerns about safety and stability in affected regions.