The observation from a bench led by Justice BR Gavai came while hearing the government’s plea challenging the Calcutta High Court’s April 10 order for a CBI investigation into allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali. The apex court adjourned the hearing on the matter till July.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya said, “What happened in Sandeshkhali is as clear as daylight. It is not only unfortunate but also condemnable. Instead of moving from one court to another, the state government should have stopped such violence and ensured no illegal activities took place in Sandeshkhali. However, the ruling party is so dependent on people who were responsible for such violence that they are defending them in court by using taxpayer money. But like most of the times, the state government was criticised by the apex court. It returned empty-handed.”

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said in an X post, “#Sandeshkhali: The Supreme Court has refused to stay any proceedings in the Court monitored CBI investigation. It has further clarified that WB Govt can’t take any advantage due to pendency of the matter in SC. Big loss of face for Mamata Banerjee. CBI to continue investigation.”

Advocate and senior CPM leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya said, “The Mamata Banerjee government time and again moves from one court to another wasting time, money and energy, only to get reprimanded. It should stop wasting taxpayer money in this way.”

There was no immediate reaction from the ruling Trinamool Congress to the Supreme Court observation.