Tushar Kanti Ghosh v. State Of West Bengal And ORS.

01.02.2024 WPA 25681 of 2023 Tushar Kanti Ghosh -vsThe State of West Bengal & ors.

Mr. Soujanya Bandyopadhyay Ms. Babita Dey ...for the petitioner Mr. Asish Kumar Guha Mr. Anirban Datta ...for the State Affidavit of service filed on behalf of the petitioner is ssi Ct 14 taken on record.

Report filed on behalf of the State is also taken on record.

Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner submits as follows. The petitioner is a social worker and an RTI activist. He has been instrumental in trying to expose the corruption and misappropriation fund allotted by the Central Government as well as the State Government to the Basirhat Municipality in respect of the scheme of MSWM. He had made applications under the RTI Act. After these, the miscreants owing allegiance to the private respondents had been threatening and intimidating the petitioner. The petitioner fears for his life. This was brought to the notice of the police, but no steps were taken.

Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the State relies on the report and submits as follows. On the complaint of

the petitioner, an inquiry was done. Allegations were denied. However, a GD entry was lodged on 08.09.2023. Moreover, the police authorities are keeping a close watch on the developments in the locality.

As of now, it does not appear that the petitioner has lodged any complaint in regard to the above before any authority. However, he apprehends that harm may befall him if he continues to pursue the purported issue of corruption.

Let the local police authorities keep a sharp vigil at the locale and ensure that no harm is done to the petitioner. The surveillance shall include frequent visits by police patrol, especially near the residence of the petitioner. If any untoward incident occurs or is apprehended by the petitioner, he shall be at liberty to contact the local police authorities who shall then act in accordance with law. With these observations, the writ petition is disposed of.

Urgent photostat certified copy of this order be supplied to the parties, if applied for, as early as possible. (Jay Sengupta, J.)