Calcutta High Court Rules on Mamata Banerjee's Statements Regarding Governor
The Calcutta High Court, in a significant ruling on July 26, stated that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee can make statements regarding Governor CV Ananda Bose as long as they adhere to the law.
The court, comprising Justice I P Mukerji and Justice Biswaroop Chowdhury, emphasized Banerjee's right to express her views, provided they are not defamatory. This decision came in response to a challenge filed by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) against a July 15 single bench order that imposed an interim injunction on the CM.
The single bench order, prompted by a defamation lawsuit filed by the Governor against Banerjee, had restricted the CM and three others from making any defamatory or incorrect statements against the Governor on social media or through publications until August 14.
However, the division bench noted that the single bench's judgment lacked clarity regarding the specific statements deemed defamatory or the content restricted from publication. The court clarified that the order applied only to future statements and did not retroactively affect past communications.
The bench acknowledged the importance of protecting an individual's reputation while upholding the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed to every Indian citizen. This freedom, however, is subject to reasonable restrictions, the court added.
This ruling allows Banerjee to continue expressing her views on the Governor, as long as they comply with legal boundaries and avoid defamation. It also highlights the delicate balance between protecting individual reputation and upholding the right to free speech.