New Delhi: The Calcutta High Court has granted interim relief to former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Atin Ghosh, directing that he should not be arrested while his anticipatory bail application remains pending before the court.
The matter came up for hearing on Monday before the bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh. The state was represented by advocate Kallol Mondal, while advocate Ayan Bhattacharya appeared for the petitioner. However, the hearing was adjourned due to procedural reasons.
Following the adjournment, Justice Ghosh instructed the state to ensure that the petitioner is not arrested during the pendency of the case.
The judge observed that in several instances, police have proceeded with arrests immediately after the expiry of interim protection granted by courts. In response, the state’s counsel informed the court that the present circumstances would be taken into consideration and assured that no coercive action would be initiated while the matter remains sub judice. The counsel also stated that appropriate instructions would be communicated to the police.
During the proceedings in another case, Justice Ghosh also questioned the conduct of the police, asking why law enforcement appeared reluctant to place confidence in the judicial process. The state’s counsel reiterated that the administration would issue clear directions to ensure that police refrain from taking stringent action in cases where judicial proceedings are pending or interim orders are in force.
Atin Ghosh had approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail in connection with a land-related corruption case. Earlier, police from Bidhannagar North Police Station had summoned both Ghosh and his daughter, Priyadarshini Ghosh, as part of the investigation. Ghosh also challenged the police summons before the High Court.
The matter is expected to be heard again on a later date, while the interim protection against arrest continues until further orders of the court.
Click for more latest India news. Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9.
Ajay is currently working with the news desk at News9. Apart from covering breaking news from the world of Politics and Crime, he has a keen interest in combat sports ranging from UFC to WWE. Ajay is also an ardent cricket lover who likes to keep up with the latest developments surrounding the Men in Blue.