India / Law of ruler, not rule of law: NHRC on post-poll violence in Bengal

Kolkata: In its report to the Calcutta High Court on post-poll violence in West Bengal, the seven-member NHRC team has called out the situation in the state as a manifestation of "Law of Ruler", instead of "Rule of Law."

Violence, as a result of the ruling party's win in Bengal, has led to a disruption of life and livelihood and economic strangulation of thousands. And all the incidents of violence have been meted out towards the supporters of the 'main opposition parry' i.e. the BJP who fell prey to TMC supporters, goons and police, the report has mentioned.

In the 50 page report, the Human Rights Team has lambasted the state government mentioning that a loss of faith in the state administration by victims, many of whom were victims of sexual assault and many who have not yet been able to return back to normalcy of their lives and homes.

"An alarming aspect of this violence amply figuring in the public domain was that it evoked no empathy in State Administration in any tangible manner. Neither senior officers nor political leaders condemned the violence, visited the spots, assuaged the victims or did anything substantive to ameliorate the problems. People were left on their own to protect against the violation of their human and fundamental rights, including the right to life, liberty, dignified living and health.

The spate of violence shows a pernicious politico-bureaucratic-criminal nexus. Moreover, this violence also attacked some pillars of democracy including Rule of Law, Political Pluralism and Free, fair and secure polling.", it further broached.

With a detailed account of all the work the team has done since its inception, the Committee report has advocated a CBI investigation to be trialed outside West Bengal for grievous offenses like murder, rape, etc.

It has also recommended the formation of a Monitoring Committee to monitor the implementation of tje orders of the High Court besides providing compensation, protection of women and victims and actions against delinquent Government servants.