High Court Directs West Bengal to Maintain Law and Order After Post-Poll Violence Claims

BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya characterized Mamata Banerjee's allegations as baseless, arguing that three BJP workers had died due to violence attributed to TMC-sheltered goons and suggesting that other deaths were the result of TMC infighting.

Mamata Banerjee appeared before the High Court for the first time in this matter, donning a lawyer's robe to assist the petitioner's counsel. She claimed at least 10 people had been killed, 150-160 TMC offices vandalised, and around 2000 violence incidents recorded, alleging attacks on fish markets, meat shops, and targeting of women, children, and minorities. Banerjee criticized police passivity, denounced 'bulldozer justice,' and insisted Bengal is not a bulldozer state. The court also noted her remarks about demolitions and the need for lawful action. Separately, the Bar Council of India asked the West Bengal Bar Council to furnish a detailed report within 48 hours regarding Banerjee's enrolment and professional status.

The Calcutta High Court, hearing a writ petition by Sirsanya Bandyopadhyay, directed the West Bengal government to strictly maintain law and order at ground level, protect those who fled their homes from post-poll retribution, and arrange for their safe return to their properties irrespective of party affiliation. The court ordered the state to file affidavit-in-opposition within three weeks and granted an additional two weeks to file an exception, while keeping the question of maintainability of the PIL open. The bench consisted of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen.

A state government order led Kolkata Municipal Corporation to demolish buildings in the Tiljala area that housed an illegal leather manufacturing unit. A fire at the site killed two people and injured three others, with demolitions continuing in the area.

Following the declaration of the 2026 assembly poll results, Trinamool Congress (TMC) contended that post-poll violence and attacks on TMC offices had occurred across the state, prompting calls for state action.