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The Union government has taken a significant step in escalating the conflict between the Centre and the West Bengal government by filing a contempt case against the state for hindering the deployment of CISF security at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. This action follows the Supreme Court's order directing the deployment of CISF personnel to ensure security at the hospital in the wake of a vandalism incident that occurred on August 14th. The Centre's move highlights a deep-rooted tension between the two governments, with accusations of non-cooperation and deliberate obstruction being levied against the Mamata Banerjee government.
The Centre's plea to the Supreme Court outlines the difficulties faced by the CISF personnel in performing their duties due to the West Bengal government's alleged lack of support. The plea highlights the absence of adequate accommodation, security gadgets, and transportation facilities, particularly for the female contingent. This lack of essential logistical support, according to the Centre, is indicative of a systemic problem where cooperation with central agencies operating under court orders has become a point of contention between the Centre and certain state governments. The Centre views this non-compliance as a deliberate disregard of the Supreme Court's orders.
Further fueling the conflict, the Centre accuses the Mamata Banerjee government of intentionally creating obstacles and jeopardizing the solution-oriented approach initiated by the Supreme Court. The government’s alleged non-cooperation is described as “unpardonable” and “symptomatic of a systemic malaise”. The Centre claims that the West Bengal government is not making genuine efforts to find a solution to the problem and is instead causing injustice to its own residents. In response, the Centre urges the Supreme Court to issue directions to the West Bengal government to extend full cooperation to the CISF and ensure full compliance with the court's order dated August 20th. Failure to comply with these directions, the Centre warns, will result in contempt proceedings.
The background of this conflict traces back to the vandalism incident that occurred at RG Kar Hospital on the night of August 14th, during a protest known as ‘Reclaim the Night’. A large mob stormed the hospital, vandalizing various areas. The Supreme Court took suo moto cognizance of the incident, citing the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the same hospital, and harshly criticized the West Bengal government for failing to prevent the vandalism. The Court expressed bewilderment at the state's lack of preparedness in dealing with the incident, considering the ongoing investigation into the doctor’s murder and the potential for further unrest. The Court’s strong stance on the incident has further fueled the conflict between the Centre and the West Bengal government, culminating in the current contempt case. This case underscores the deep political tensions and the struggle for power between the Centre and certain state governments, particularly those with contrasting political ideologies.