Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court invalidated the imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in Sandeshkhali, where protests have persisted over the past week. Two residents of Sandeshkhali filed a petition urging the court to lift the prohibitory orders in the area.

Justice Jay Sengupta overturned the imposition of Section 144 of the CrPC by the district administration in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, stating that the manner in which it was implemented was incorrect. Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, counsel for the petitioners, argued that the basis for imposing prohibitory orders in Sandeshkhali was unfounded and was aimed at suppressing the people's right to protest.

The state government opposed the petition, asserting that it was necessary to assess whether there were valid grounds for the protests and also highlighted allegations of violence stemming from some of these demonstrations.

Sandeshkhali came into the spotlight when a mob attacked Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials during a search operation at the residence of Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh on January 5. The area has been witnessing protests over the past week, triggered by allegations of atrocities against women and land grabbing by individuals affiliated with the ruling party.

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