The single bench of Justice Kaushik Chanda also allowed Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari to visit the area but stipulated that the BJP leader must refrain from delivering any “provocative speeches” during his visit.

Last week, the BJP MLA from Nandigram was prevented twice by the police from visiting Sandeshkhali citing prohibitory orders under Section 144.

Later, he moved the High Court seeking permission to visit Sandeshkhali.

Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a stay on the prohibitory orders, Justice Chanda issued an interim stay on Section 144 in the area for the next seven days.

The court had previously invalidated the order on February 13 but granted the state authorities the opportunity to request the reinstatement of such measures for specific areas affected by the disturbances.

Despite the court’s decision, the district administration reimposed restrictions on movement in certain designated areas in Sandeshkhali the following day.

While hearing Adhikari’s plea to visit Sandeshkhali, the single bench allowed him to visit the area with conditions. Adhikari was also directed not to engage in any “unlawful activities” when in Sandeshkhali.

Welcoming the court order, Adhikari said he will visit Sandeshkhali on Tuesday. “The permission was given on February 12 also but they (administration) imposed Section 144. Today I received a specific order and I will go there tomorrow and meet the victims’ families. Many BJP workers have been arrested, I will meet their family members,” said the BJP leader while speaking to reporters outside the Assembly premises.