The Calcutta High Court, in the case of Ranajit Mondal vs the State of West Bengal, emphasized the strict handling of social boycotts against a citizen or their family, as mentioned by Justice Jay Sengupta.
The observation came in response to a plea where a man faced a social boycott for objecting to an illegally constructed temple near his property.
In an order dated December 27, Justice Sengupta stated, "Any social boycott of a citizen or his family member has to be dealt with strictly by the administration. This has no place in a civilised society."
The Court also advised that disputes regarding property rights should be addressed before the civil court and emphasized that no party should take the law into their own hands.
The petitioner, facing disturbance to his property possession, filed a civil suit resulting in an injunction order against the respondents.
However, despite the court order, the respondents continued to violate the injunction and engaged in a social boycott with other locals.
While acknowledging the ongoing civil dispute, the State counsel informed the Court of proceedings under Section 107 (Security for keeping the peace) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
The Court, considering the injunction order, directed the police to vigilantly monitor the area, ensuring no breach of peace and adherence to the civil court's order.
The order specified that surveillance should involve frequent police patrols in the area, concluding the disposition of the plea.
