New Delhi, February 11 The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to submit a report in a sealed envelope to the Calcutta High Court, justifying the invocation of a UAPA provision related to acts of terror in a case involving repeated incidents of violence and unrest in Murshidabad district of West Bengal.
In dismissing an appeal by the West Bengal government, a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also asked the state government to approach the high court with its grievances against the NIA's investigation in the Murshidabad violence case.
The top court stated that the Calcutta High Court can also examine the state government's challenge to the Centre's decision to order the NIA investigation in the case.
On January 20, the high court expressed concern about the repeated incidents of violence and unrest in Murshidabad district and directed the police and administration to ensure peace is maintained there.
A division bench presided by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul said that the state government may requisition central forces if required. The high court also said that the central government will review the reports submitted by the state government to decide on an investigation by the NIA. The Union home ministry ordered an NIA investigation in the case on January 28.
Two public interest litigations (PILs) were filed before the high court seeking the deployment of central forces at Beldanga in Murshidabad district due to the violence there, allegedly related to attacks on migrant workers in neighboring states.
On January 16, protesters blocked National Highway 12 for around six hours over the alleged death of a Beldanga-resident migrant worker in Jharkhand.
On January 17 morning, road and rail blockades also took place over the alleged heckling of a Murshidabad-resident migrant worker in Bihar.