The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose’s defamation suit against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee until Thursday. The defamation case, which was filed on June 28, came a day after Mamata Banerjee claimed that women had complained to her about feeling afraid to visit the Raj Bhavan due to certain activities occurring there.
The suit was scheduled for hearing before the bench of Justice Krishna Rao. In an administrative meeting held at the state secretariat on June 27, Mamata Banerjee stated, “Women have informed me they are afraid to visit Raj Bhavan due to recent incidents reported there.” These comments prompted Governor CV Ananda Bose to file the defamation suit, emphasizing that public representatives should not create “erroneous and slanderous impressions.”
The controversy stemmed from an incident on May 2, when a contractual female employee at Raj Bhavan accused Governor Bose of molestation, leading the Kolkata Police to initiate an inquiry. Governor CV Ananda Bose’s response to Mamata Banerjee’s remarks highlighted the necessity for responsible behavior among public figures to maintain public trust and avoid spreading misinformation.
According to Article 361 of the Indian Constitution, no criminal proceedings can be instituted against a governor during their term in office. This legal protection adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing defamation case and the allegations against Governor CV Ananda Bose.
The defamation suit has intensified the already strained relationship between the Governor and the Chief Minister, reflecting the broader political tensions in West Bengal. The adjournment of the hearing to Thursday allows both parties additional time to prepare for the legal battle ahead.
