The Calcutta High Court has instructed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee not to make any defamatory or incorrect statements about Governor CV Ananda Bose. The court emphasized that the right to freedom of speech is “not an unfettered right” that allows for defamatory remarks to damage someone’s reputation.
Interim Order
The court ordered that no defamatory or incorrect statements against the Governor should be published or posted on social media until August 14, 2024 as the next hearing is scheduled for this date.
“If we do not issue an interim order now, it would allow the defendants to continue making defamatory statements against the plaintiff and harm his reputation,” the court added. Mamata Banerjee’s lawyer, Sanjay Basu, said they would challenge the order in a higher court.
Background of the Defamation Suit
Governor Bose filed the defamation suit against Mamata Banerjee following her comments about women expressing fear of visiting the Raj Bhavan. She made these remarks after expressing her displeasure over the confusion regarding the oath-taking ceremony of two newly elected Trinamool Congress MLAs. Banerjee supported their decision not to attend the ceremony at Raj Bhavan and instead, take the oath at the assembly.
Specific Incident and Governor’s Response
A contractual female employee of Raj Bhavan alleged harassment by Governor Bose on May 2, leading to a Kolkata Police investigation.
Mamata Banerjee’s Stand
During the July 15 hearing, Mamata Banerjee’s lawyer argued that her comments were fair and in the public interest, not defamatory. Banerjee stood by her statement, claiming it reflected the concerns of women regarding certain activities at Raj Bhavan.
Case Proceedings
The matter was first heard on July 3, but the court decided that media houses reporting the defamation claims should also be involved in the case. The hearing continued on various dates, with the latest adjournment set for July 15.
Involved Parties
Besides Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh and MLAs Sayantika Banerjee from Baranagar and Reyat Hossain Sarkar from Bhagawangola are named in the defamation suit.