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UAPA – The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to submit a confidential report before the Calcutta High Court explaining the grounds for invoking provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with recent unrest in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued the order while disposing of an appeal filed by the West Bengal government. The state had raised objections to the central agency’s involvement in the case.

Supreme Court Directs Sealed Submission

The apex court instructed the NIA to place its justification in a sealed cover before the Calcutta High Court. The report is expected to clarify why specific sections of the UAPA, particularly those dealing with alleged terror-related activities, were applied in the investigation.

The court also advised the West Bengal government to pursue its concerns about the federal agency’s probe before the high court. It noted that the Calcutta High Court is competent to examine the state’s objections to the Centre’s decision to transfer the investigation to the NIA.

High Court Had Flagged Law and Order Concerns

Earlier, on January 20, the Calcutta High Court expressed serious concern over recurring incidents of violence and tension in Murshidabad. A division bench led by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul directed the district administration and police authorities to take necessary steps to maintain peace and prevent further disturbances.

The high court had also observed that the state government could seek assistance from central forces if the situation required additional security measures. It emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to restore normalcy in the district.

Centre Orders NIA Probe

Following these developments, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on January 28 ordered the NIA to take over the investigation. The decision came after the high court indicated that the Centre could consider the state’s reports while deciding on the need for a federal probe.

The case relates to multiple incidents of unrest in Murshidabad, particularly in the Beldanga area, where tensions escalated over allegations involving migrant workers.

Protests and Blockades in Murshidabad

The disturbances included road and rail blockades staged by protesters. On January 16, demonstrators blocked National Highway 12 for nearly six hours. The protest was reportedly triggered by the alleged death of a migrant worker from Beldanga in Jharkhand.

The following day, additional protests were reported after claims surfaced that another migrant worker from Murshidabad had been harassed in Bihar. Road and railway traffic were disrupted as demonstrators demanded action and accountability.

Two public interest litigations were subsequently filed before the Calcutta High Court. The petitions sought deployment of central forces in Beldanga to prevent further violence and ensure public safety amid escalating tensions.

Legal and Federal Questions Under Review

The Supreme Court’s latest direction effectively places the matter back before the Calcutta High Court for detailed examination. The high court will now assess both the justification for invoking stringent provisions of the UAPA and the state government’s challenge to the Centre’s decision authorizing the NIA investigation.

The case has drawn attention to questions surrounding law enforcement coordination, federal jurisdiction, and the threshold for applying anti-terror legislation in situations arising from local unrest.

Further proceedings in the Calcutta High Court are expected to determine the course of the investigation and address the legal concerns raised by the state government.