Social boycott has no place in civilised society: Calcutta High Court [Read Order]

Calcutta: The Calcutta High Court recently made some pertinent observations on why a civilised society shouldnt resort to social boycott. 

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 civilized society, Justice Jay Sengupta observed. 

The Court was hearing a case where a man and his family had been boycotted by their neighbourhood because they objected to the illegal construction of a temple by the respondents in front of their property. 

They even obtained an interim order of injunction to this effect. What came after was a social boycott effected by the locals including the private respondents. This is not permissible in law, the Court recorded. 

Relying on a report, the counsel appearing on behalf of the State submitted that a civil dispute is pending between the private parties. On the complaint of the petition, the State respondent-authorities have already initiated a proceeding under Section 107 of the Code. A Title Suit is pending, the Court was informed. 

The Court noted two aspects; that the injunction order was in effect till the next date of hearing before the subordinate court and that, police authorities had taken some steps by initiating the proceedings under Section 107 of the Code.

Further, the Court added that if the parties want to establish any further right regarding the property, they would have liberty to do so before the Civil Court. 
None of the parties has any right to take law in his own hand, the Bench reminded. 

The Court also asked police authorities to keep a sharp vigil at the locale and ensure that no breach of peace takes place and no order of a Civil Court is violated. 
Surveillance shall include frequent visits to the area by police patrol, the Court added before disposing off the plea.

[Read Order]