Calcutta High Court Mandates Law and Order Assurance in Murshidabad

State and Central Forces Collaborate to Safeguard Citizens Following PIL Concern

In a crucial ruling, the Calcutta High Court addressed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Dr. Abdus Salam Shaikh, concerning the maintenance of law and order in Murshidabad. The Division Bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen emphasized the importance of ensuring peace and safety in the region, which has recently experienced heightened tensions.

On December 5, 2025, the court acknowledged the petitioner's concerns, which were formally communicated to the Superintendent of Police, Murshidabad, on November 30, 2025. The petitioner expressed apprehensions about potential disturbances and the jeopardy to citizens' lives and properties due to possible hooliganism.

Responding to these concerns, the Advocate General assured the court that the State would undertake all necessary measures to maintain law and order. Reinforcing this commitment, the court was informed that 19 companies of the Central Armed Forces have already been deployed in the region pursuant to a prior directive from the High Court.

Furthermore, the private respondent involved in the case has pledged to avoid actions that could incite communal disharmony or disrupt the law and order situation. The court, in its directive, has mandated strict adherence to these assurances from both the State and private parties to protect the citizens and maintain peace in Murshidabad.

This judgment underscores the judiciary's role in preemptively addressing potential law and order issues, ensuring collaborative efforts between state forces and central deployments to safeguard citizens' welfare. The PIL was subsequently disposed of with directions to uphold the commitments made during the hearing.

Bottom Line:

Law and Order - Assurance by the State and private respondent to maintain law and order in Murshidabad, and protect the lives and properties of citizens.

Statutory provision(s): Public Interest Litigation, Law and Order Maintenance

Dr. Abdus Salam Shaikh v. Union of India, (Calcutta)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2818386