Why is the State Challenging a CBI Investigation into Private Party

The Supreme Court, on Monday, questioned the West Bengal government's opposition to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh in the Sandeshkhali case. 

During the hearing, Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta queried the rationale behind the state's stance, particularly after Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing West Bengal, requested additional time to present more information. 

The Court remarked, 'Why is the State filing an SLP against the CBI investigating allegations against a private individual? We will adjourn for now; it may be more suitable to revisit this matter after the elections.

The proceedings were adjourned until July after Singhvi assured that the Supreme Court's pending decision wouldn't influence cases before the Calcutta High Court. This assurance came after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta voiced concerns about potential ramifications.

The Supreme Court heard West Bengal's plea opposing a CBI investigation into allegations of sexual assault and forcible land grabbing against TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh. The Calcutta High Court had previously transferred the investigation to the CBI on April 10, following a



suo motu case initiated by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya. Rejecting the appointment of an Enquiry Committee, the High Court's decision prompted the appeal by the State of West Bengal to the Supreme Court.

The High Court had been addressing the unrest in Sandeshkhalli arising from allegations of sexual assault and land grabbing. After evading authorities for approximately 55 days, Sheikh was eventually apprehended by the West Bengal Police. The High Court, in its ruling, mandated the CBI to maintain the confidentiality of complainants and establish a dedicated portal/email ID for complaints, with the District Magistrate instructed to publicize this information adequately.

Sheikh had previously courted controversy over allegations linking him to a mob attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers in January, who were en route to raid his residence as part of a ration scam probe. On March 5, the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation into the ED officers' attack to the CBI, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court.

During the proceedings, Solicitor General Mehta, alongside Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, represented the CBI, while Senior Advocate Jaideep Gupta appeared for the West Bengal government alongside Dr. Singhvi.