The Calcutta High Court has requested a comprehensive report from the West Bengal government regarding all alleged incidents of egg-throwing directed at Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders since the party’s defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections. This directive was issued during the proceedings of a petition brought forth by advocate Danish Farooqui, who is representing TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee. The petition highlights concerns over alleged attacks on party officials.

The court also ordered the state administration to provide details on the number of First Information Reports (FIRs) filed in relation to these events. This initiative aims to ensure transparency and accountability following the reported incidents targeting TMC leaders, which have raised concerns about public safety and political conduct.

Kolkata Police Directed to Establish Guidelines

A division bench, comprising Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, has emphasised the necessity for specific guidelines to be formulated by the Kolkata Police Commissioner. The court remarked that without such protocols, the recurrence of these incidents is likely. Justice Chakraborty stated, “If the Police Commissioner does not have guidelines in place, such incidents will continue,” highlighting the urgency for preventive measures across all police stations.

During the hearing, the Additional Advocate General for the state requested a two-week period to compile necessary information, stating that relevant FIRs were being lodged and investigated. He assured the court that appropriate actions were being undertaken against those accused. Yet, the petitioner’s counsel, senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee, argued that law enforcement has not responded adequately to the situation and called for an immediate interim order to address the escalating assaults.

Banerjee alleged complicity from state officials, claiming that a minister was inciting egg-throwing and that bulldozers were in use under the observation of an MLA. He asserted, “The police are helping them. They are encouraging mob lynching… We will produce video evidence to establish this,” emphasising the severity of the circumstances.

Judicial Response to Allegations of Violence

In reply to the allegations, Justice Chakraborty indicated that while the court would provide guidance to the state administration, granting an interim order at this juncture was infeasible. The bench further recognised that enforcement alone would not suffice, urging a need for public awareness surrounding the issues of violence and political intimidation. “It is not only about taking action; there is also a need to create awareness among the public,” remarked Justice Chakraborty.

Justice Chatterjee also stressed the importance of upholding human rights, stating, “Human rights must be ensured for everyone. There should be no laxity in this regard.” The discussion further highlighted concerns about the rule of law within the state, with Banerjee expressing apprehensions about individuals facing public humiliation during these incidents.

In particular, he described troubling occurrences at the airport, where it has allegedly become a site of harassment for individuals, who are reportedly surrounded, subjected to egg-throwing and verbal abuse upon their arrival. Concerns were also raised during the hearings regarding the limitations of police action, with Rajdeep Majumdar representing an additional party, asserting that law enforcement could only intervene if formal complaints were submitted.

The Calcutta High Court has mandated the state government to produce an affidavit detailing the measures taken in relation to these violent incidents. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 20, highlighting the court’s continued attention to the issue and its implications for public safety and political discourse in West Bengal.

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