Calcutta High Court’s Defamation Suit Against Mamata Banerjee and Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose

The High Court has issued a restraining order against Mamata Banerjee, preventing her from making misleading or defamatory statements against the Governor, either through publication or on social platforms until August 14, 2024. Failure to grant interim relief would allow the defendants to continue tarnishing the Governor’s reputation, according to the court.

Lawyer Sanjay Basu stated that the court’s order will be contested before a higher bench. The court emphasized that the right to freedom of speech and expression does not permit the making of defamatory statements to tarnish an individual’s reputation.

The lawsuit aims to restrain Mamata Banerjee, two newly elected MLAs, and another Trinamool Congress leader from making remarks related to alleged incidents at Raj Bhavan. The defamation suit was instigated by the Bengal Governor in response to Mamata Banerjee’s comment concerning women’s fear of visiting Raj Bhavan, in connection with the confusion surrounding the oath-taking ceremony of two newly elected party MLAs.

An employee’s harassment allegation against the Governor has further fueled the controversy, leading to an ongoing police investigation. Justice Krishna Rao emphasized that a Constitutional Authority, such as the Governor, should not be subjected to personal attacks via social media platforms.

During a previous hearing, Mamata Banerjee defended her remarks as fair comments on matters of public interest, and her lawyer argued that she was merely echoing the concerns of women regarding alleged activities at Raj Bhavan. The legal proceedings have encountered delays, with the court directing media houses to be party to the case and subsequent adjournments of the hearing dates.

The lawsuit also implicates Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh and MLAs Sayantika Banerjee and Reyat Hossain Sarkar.