The Calcutta High Court will hear a defamation suit on Wednesday, July 3, filed by West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The case is schedul to by Justice Krishna Rao, as per the high court’s website.
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Allegation of Molestation Sparks Defamation Suit
On June 28, CV Ananda Bose filed a defamation suit against the Chief Minister, following her claim that women felt unsafe visiting the Raj Bhavan. During an administrative meeting at the state secretariat, Mamata Banerjee stated, “Women have told me they are afraid to visit Raj Bhavan due to recent incidents reported there.”
Mamata Banerjee’s remarks were a reference to an allegation of molestation made against Bose on May 2 by a contractual woman employee of Raj Bhavan. The Kolkata Police has started an inquiry on the issue.
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Governor Reacts to Defamation Claims, Cites Constitutional Protection
The governor responded to her comments, asserting that it was inappropriate for a public official to foster “erroneous and slanderous impressions.” Bose further alleged that these were “engineered narratives” aimed at obstructing his efforts to combat corruption in the state. According to Article 361 of the Constitution, no criminal proceedings can be initiat against a governor during their term in office. State Congress President Adhir Chowdhury remarked on the issue, saying, “These allegations and counter-allegations are damaging the image of West Bengal. This is nothing but a disgraceful episode.” Additionally, the West Bengal governor has filed defamation suits against other TMC leaders for making similar statements, a source told news agency PTI.
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