The Calcutta High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition that sought to restrain West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from making “provocative hate speeches” during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. The petition was filed by Nazia Elahi Khan, the chairperson of the Muslim Women Resistance Committee.
In her plea, Khan claimed that Banerjee’s speeches during the annual Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations were provocative and had led to violence during the Ram Navami celebrations. She urged the court to direct the Chief Minister not to make such speeches during Eid.
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However, the High Court bench, comprising Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, opined that the petition was poorly researched and based on a few newspaper reports. The court noted that the petitioner had not conducted any thorough research and had relied solely on a newspaper report. The bench stated that if anyone’s sentiments were hurt by the speeches, the petitioner had sufficient remedies available under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
The court further held that the prayer sought in the PIL was not tenable and proceeded to dismiss the plea. The bench emphasised that the petitioner had not provided enough evidence to support the claim that Banerjee’s speeches were provocative and hateful.
Overall, the court’s decision to dismiss the PIL highlights the importance of conducting thorough research and providing substantial evidence when filing such petitions. It also underscores the need to explore other legal remedies available under the existing laws if any grievances arise due to public speeches or statements.
