Calcutta High Court orders central forces in Murshidabad, cites “grave and volatile” situation amid anti-Waqf protests

Emphasizing that constitutional courts cannot remain silent in times of crisis, the Calcutta High Court on Saturday directed the deployment of Central forces in Murshidabad, West Bengal, where anti-Waqf protests have claimed three lives.

During demonstrations against the new legislation, violence broke out in Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly districts. Protesters torched several vehicles, including police vans, hurled stones at security personnel, and blocked roads.

The High Court reiterated that the right to life is fundamental for every citizen and it is the state’s duty to protect both life and property.

"Constitutional Courts cannot be a mute spectator and embroil itself in technical defences when the safety and security of the people are at danger. The deployment of Central Armed forces earlier could have escalated the situation as it appears adequate measures have not been taken in time," the court stated.

Describing the situation as "grave and volatile", the court stressed that urgent action must be taken to bring the perpetrators to justice and stop the violence against innocent civilians on a "war footing".

"We cannot turn a blind eye to the various reports that have surfaced which prima facie show vandalism in few districts of the state of West Bengal. The purpose of deployment of the para-military forces or Central Armed Police Force is only for the purpose of facilitating the state administration to ensure the safety and security of the population in this State," the court said, further noting that "there is an internal disturbance" in certain districts.

The court said the central forces would work in coordination with the state administration. It also asked both the Centre and the state government to submit comprehensive reports on the prevailing situation.

A special bench of Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury was formed by the Chief Justice to hear an urgent petition from Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, seeking central force deployment in the district.

The case will be heard next on April 17.

On Saturday night, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose welcomed the court’s decision to send central forces to violence-hit areas in Murshidabad.

"I have been told about the deployment of CAPF in the riot-affected areas of Bengal, including Murshidabad. I am glad that the Calcutta High Court stepped in and given the appropriate decision in appropriate time," the Governor said in a video message issued by Raj Bhavan.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that West Bengal would not enforce the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Act and appealed for calm and unity.

"We have made our position clear on this matter - we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So what is the riot about?" she said in a post on X.

She also warned against politicising religion and said legal action would be taken against anyone found provoking unrest.

"Remember, we did not make the law that many are agitating against. The law was made by the central government. So the answer you want should be sought from the central government," Ms Banerjee added.

Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar warned the protestors that any attempts to disturb public order in the name of agitation would not be tolerated by the state police.