Manoj Paul v. The State And Others
IN THE HIGH COURT AT CALCUTTA
[ CIRCUIT BENCH AT PORT BLAIR ] *** WPA/67/2026 Manoj Paul Vs The State & Ors.
Mr. Manoj Paul ... Petitioner-in-person Mr. Sumit Kumar Karmakar ... for the Respondents March 11, 2026 [AKB] Item No.8 1.
The instant writ petition has been filed by the petitioner assailing that he was subjected to threats and physical assault and also alleged motivated FIRs are registered at the instance of the local authorities against him. The Hon'ble Supreme Court of India by order dated March 01, 2024 directed the police protection to be provided to the petitioner whenever he visits Port Blair and further directed that legal representation be facilitated through Legal Services Authorities but despite his representation no police escort has been provided to him and hence he is highly prejudiced.
2.
The learned advocate appearing on behalf of the Respondent has received the copy of the writ petition. 3.
Heard the submissions.
4.
The prayer made by the petitioner appearing in person in the writ petition is to i) issue a writ of mandamus or any other writ to the respondents directing them to immediate restoration of 24 X 7 police protection as per direction of the Hon'ble
Supreme Court order in SLP (C) No. 1051/2024, dated 01.03.2024 and ii) to issue a writ of mandamus to the respondent directing them for protection at residence, movement and Court Visits.
5.
The contention of the learned Advocate representing the respondents that the said order was passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court was for a limited period i.e. till the disposal of the PIL in connection of which such order of protection was given and at present the said PIL has been disposed of. Therefore, this writ petition is not maintainable in the eye of law. That apart the entire allegations are false. 6.
On perusal of the record and also that order passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in SLP (C) No. 1051/2024 dated 01.03.2024 it is evident that the petitioner was directed to be provided a police escort whenever he travels to Port Blair and such protection shall continue to operate till the disposal of PIL filed by the petitioner before the High Court. 7.
On perusal of the order passed in WPA(P)/8/2023 on February 26, 2025 it is seen that such PIL was dismissed and consequently all connected interlocutory applications were also disposed of. Prima facie the prayer made in this writ petition to restore the order passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of 24X7 police protection on 01.03.2024 is beyond the scope of adjudication of this court and hence cannot be considered. That apart in terms of the order it was for a specific period and the said PIL is disposed of.
8.
In this writ petition the petitioner has assailed that by filing a PIL including WPA (P) NO. 8 OF 2023 he raised irregularities of approximately Rs 350-500 Crores in the leasing of the vessel Coral Queen and because if that he was subjected to threat, physical assault for which the Hon'ble Supreme Court protected him by providing police assistance. He has forwarded a representation dated 7.6.2025 to the NIA and other authorities seeking investigation and as a retaliation within two days a complaint was lodged against him alleging disturbance of communal harmony . He was allegedly assaulted on 14.9.25 by unidentified mob of 60 to 100 persons but the police officers refused to Register any case and hence he has filed an application under section 156(3) Cr.PC seeking necessary direction.
9.
In this backdrop this writ petition is filed with the above mentioned prayer.
10.
The petitioner has not filed any contempt application before the Hon'ble Supreme Court for non compliance with the direction. Meantime as submitted by the learned advocate representing the Respondent that such PIL is disposed of. Hence the prayer made before this court cannot be considered. 11.
It is further submitted by the petitioner at this stage that one representation was made before the Superintending of Police, South Andaman District, Andaman and Nicobar Islands on February 07, 2026 to deploy and designated two Head Constable and two Constables for his 24X7 protection as per
order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court. No reply has been received in respect of such representation.
12.
Hence, the concerned authority is directed to dispose of the representation by giving an appropriate reply to the petitioner within a period of fortnight from this date. 13.
Hence this writ petition is disposed of with such observation with a liberty to file a fresh Writ petition. 14.
Urgent certified copy of the order be provided to the petitioner following the required procedure.
(Chaitali Chatterjee (Das), J.)