Calcutta, Apr 22 : In a significant procedural development in the Beldanga violence case bail plea, a division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday recused itself from hearing the appeal filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The agency had challenged the bail granted to 15 accused in connection with the April 2025 clashes in Beldanga, West Bengal.
The bench, comprising Justice Arijit Banerjee and Justice Apurba Sinha Ray, directed that the matter be placed before the bench headed by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul. The Chief Justice is currently presiding over a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the same incident, particularly focusing on whether provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) are applicable in the case.
The judges clarified that their decision to step aside was guided by the principle of judicial propriety. They observed that since the Chief Justice-led bench is already seized of broader legal questions arising from the Beldanga violence, including the applicability of stringent anti-terror laws, it would be appropriate for the same bench to hear the NIA’s appeal as well. This, they noted, would help prevent any potential conflict in judicial findings.
In its earlier proceedings, a special court had granted statutory bail to the accused after rejecting the NIA’s request for additional time to complete its investigation. The court noted that the accused had remained in custody for over 90 days without the filing of a charge sheet, thereby entitling them to default bail under legal provisions.
The recusal order underscores the judiciary’s effort to maintain consistency in adjudication, especially in cases involving overlapping legal questions. By referring the matter to the Chief Justice’s bench, the High Court has effectively consolidated the legal scrutiny of the Beldanga violence under a single forum.
The case continues to draw attention due to its implications on the interpretation and application of anti-terror laws, as well as procedural safeguards related to prolonged detention without formal charges.