HC rejects plea over Mamata's remarks on B'deshi leader

A division bench led by Chief Justice Ravindra V Ghuge rejected the petition filed by individual petitioner Avratanu Sarkar following the submission of an official report by the West Bengal state government.

The controversy originated from a rally on June 2 at Dharmatala in Kolkata, where Banerjee made indirect references to the killing of the Bangladeshi political figure without naming him directly. While refusing to disclose specific names citing national interest, her remarks implied involvement by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, raising concerns over potential diplomatic friction between India and Bangladesh.

In response to the petition, the High Court had requested a formal assessment from the state government on September 1. The state government submitted its report on Wednesday, clarifying that Banerjee's speech contained no elements of a cognizable offense.

Accepting the state's findings, the division bench disposed of the case. Former Acting Chief Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty had previously questioned the maintainability of the petition as a legitimate public interest litigation during earlier proceedings.