May 5th 2024.
The Governor of West Bengal, CV Ananda Bose, has issued a directive to all employees of Raj Bhavan to disregard any communication from the Kolkata Police regarding a recent complaint of molestation against him. This comes after the police formed a team to investigate the allegations made by a woman employee. Bose, in a post on a social media platform, clarified that according to Article 361 of the Constitution of India, the state police has no authority to take any action against a governor.
He also stated that no criminal proceedings can be initiated or continued against the President or governor of a state during their term in office. The governor's statement, drafted as a communique to Raj Bhavan staff, reaffirmed that no court can issue a process for the arrest or imprisonment of a governor during their term. Bose emphasized that the state machinery cannot initiate any criminal proceedings against him, as stated by media reports of the police's intent to conduct an inquiry and collect evidence from Raj Bhavan.
Bose raised a valid question about the police's authority to conduct an inquiry and collect evidence, given his constitutional immunity. He also expressed concern about the police's plan to speak to witnesses and collect CCTV footage from Raj Bhavan. A senior police officer clarified that this is a routine practice when there is a complaint, especially from a woman. The police had summoned three Raj Bhavan officials and a policeman in connection with the investigation, but only the policeman attended.
The police officer also stated that the Raj Bhavan officials did not attend the enquiry and they will request them to come again on Monday. The police made it clear that there are no other plans for enquiry until then. The complaint was lodged by a contractual woman employee of Raj Bhavan, who alleged molestation by the governor. However, the governor dismissed the allegation as an "absurd drama" and reaffirmed his determination to expose corruption and curb violence.
In addition, Bose had previously banned the entry of police personnel to Raj Bhavan, citing their unauthorized and politically motivated investigations during the election. It remains to be seen how the police will proceed with their inquiry, given the governor's constitutional immunity. As of now, the police have requested for CCTV footage from Raj Bhavan and will continue to speak to witnesses over the next few days. The governor's directive to ignore any communication from the police stands, and the Raj Bhavan officials will be requested to attend the enquiry on Monday.
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