SC agrees to hear arguments on BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar’s visit to Sandeshkali
The Hindu
The Supreme Court on April 15 agreed to hear arguments on BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar visit to violence-hit Sandeshkhali. Women in Sandeshkhali were agitating over alleged atrocities committed against them by Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh and his aides.
The Supreme Court on April 15 agreed to hear arguments on whether BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar defied a specific written order by the West Bengal Police denying him permission to visit violence-hit Sandeshkhali or if his right to free speech as a lawmaker was gagged by the State.
Appearing before a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, senior advocate A.M. Singhvi said his trip to Sandeshkhali was by no stretch of imagination a part of his “essential legislative functions”.
He said the man defied a written order denying him permission by the police, which was in charge of law and order.
In response, senior advocate Maninder Singh, for Mr. Majumdar, said his client’s right to free speech was not limited to his constituency alone.
“His right to free speech was not limited to inside the House alone. It can be exercised outside and even outside his constituency,” Mr. Singh submitted.
He urged the court to examine Article 105(3) of the Constitution. The Article dealt with the freedom of speech and expression and privileges afforded to parliamentarians.
The court on February 19 stayed further proceedings before a Lok Sabha Privileges Committee, which had summoned the West Bengal Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police and other officers on a complaint by Mr. Majumdar.