The Tripura High Court closed a Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation (PIL) registered by the Court taking cognizance of several incidents of post-poll violence in the State of Tripura during the Assembly Elections, 2023.
During the course of the proceedings, a Status Report has been filed by the respondents-State as to the number of cases registered in relation to the post-poll violence in connection with the Assembly Elections, 2023. The progress of investigation in those 75 cases have been taken note of in the orders dated 22.06.2023, 06.07.2023 and 10.08.2023.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Arindam Lodh noted from the previous order dated 10.08.2023 that only 3 cases were left pending investigation. As per the latest Status Report furnished by learned counsel for the State, except one case, which is pending investigation, charge sheet has been submitted in 62 cases and final report has been submitted in 12 cases.
The Status Report furnished by the Superintendent of Police, Dhalai District, Ambassa through letter dated 11.09.2023 as regards the one case, indicated to the Court that it is pending for collection of more evidence and for arrest of the remaining involved accused persons, as also the injury report of the two victims.
S. Debnath, Additional Public Prosecutor for the respondents-State, submits that the investigation has been undertaken in all the 75 post-poll violence cases in an expeditious manner and now, final report has been submitted in 12 cases and in rest of the 62 cases, trial has to commence after ensuring presence of the accused persons and supply of police papers, framing of charge, etc. Therefore, the Public Interest Litigation has served its purpose and it may be disposed of. He also submits that as on date, there is no such scheme providing for compensation in cases of post-poll violence.
Taking note of the aforesaid facts and the progress in investigation, it appeals to the Bench that the Public Interest Litigation has served its purpose.