Calcutta High Court has taken a firm stance on incidents involving attacks on accused persons, including cases where eggs have been hurled at them, stressing the need for clear security protocols and stronger deterrence. The observations were made by the Acting Chief Justice during a hearing on Tuesday, in which the court underscored the need to establish specific guidelines for the safe transportation of accused individuals to courts and other locations. The bench noted that such incidents should not be treated lightly and that a clear message must be sent to the public regarding the legal consequences of such actions.
The court remarked that the responsibility of authorities does not end with the arrest of a few individuals involved in such acts. Instead, it is essential to raise public awareness of the penalties for taking the law into one’s own hands.
“Such tendencies of mob justice cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” the court observed.
During the hearing, the bench sought details on existing police guidelines governing the transportation of prisoners and accused persons. The query followed recent reports of multiple incidents at court premises, airports, and other crowded areas where accused individuals were targeted through protests, attacks, or acts such as egg-throwing.
Representing the state, counsel submitted that the government does not condone such behaviour and takes action whenever complaints are received. Several FIRs have been registered in connection with such incidents, and arrests have been made, the court was informed. The state assured that necessary steps are being taken to maintain law and order.
However, the court expressed dissatisfaction with the response, reiterating that enforcement alone is not sufficient without a broader societal message. It emphasised that the safety of an individual cannot be compromised due to public sentiment or political tensions.
Justice Parthasarathi Chatterjee, who was also part of the bench, observed that ensuring the safety of every individual is a fundamental responsibility of the state. The court noted that an accused person does not lose their fundamental rights and must be protected while being transported for legal or investigative purposes.
During the proceedings, Trinamool Congress MP and advocate Kalyan Banerjee raised concerns over the role of law enforcement, alleging that in several cases the police have remained passive spectators. He pointed to incidents occurring even in high-security zones such as airports and questioned whether statements by certain political leaders were encouraging such actions.
The court reiterated that the administration cannot evade its responsibility in ensuring the safety and dignity of accused persons. Legal observers noted that the rise in such incidents reflects a growing tendency towards “mob justice,” which poses a threat to the rule of law and democratic principles. The matter will be heard next in two weeks, with the court expected to seek a more detailed report from the state on measures being implemented to address the issue.
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