The State's High Court delivered a strong rebuke to the government of Bengal led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday during the hearing of affidavits concerning the violence and various allegations, including extortion, land grabs, and sexual assault, emerging from Sandeshkhali prior to the Lok Sabha election.

Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, heading the bench, admonished Ms. Banerjee's Trinamool Congress during the hearing, indicating that the party could not evade responsibility if the allegations, particularly regarding shielding Sheikh Shahjahan, a local leader accused in the case, are proven to be true.

The Chief Justice emphasized, "Even if just one affidavit holds true, it is a matter of shame. Even a mere one percent of the truth renders it utterly shameful. West Bengal claims to be a safe haven for women? If even a single affidavit is validated, the credibility of such assertions crumbles." He further stated, "The entire district administration and ruling party bear full moral responsibility without exception."

The court also strongly criticized the lawyer representing Sheikh Shahjahan, who was apprehended on February 29 after evading authorities for nearly two months. The delayed arrest sparked criticism of the Bengal government, prompting the High Court to issue a pointed order to the state.

"(55) days you were on the run... playing hide-and-seek. Then you took an obscure stance. (Just because) you close your eyes the world doesn't become dark," the Chief Justice said.

Shahjahan's lawyer responded: "I was told to be absconding (while) bail plea was pending."

The focal point of attention revolved around multiple petitions seeking intervention in various forms, whether through a court-appointed commission or via the National Human Rights Commission, to enable the women of Sandeshkhali to voice their grievances without fear of reprisal. BJP leader Priyanka Tibrewal, advocating for the petitioners, underscored the challenges many encounter in lodging these complaints.

"I have gone there... it is burdensome for them to come to Kolkata. I have suggested for a website to make it easier for them," she said in response to the court saying, "The suggestion is to have a commission where people can approach and voice grievances. Other is for NHRC to intervene."

"Both commission and website can be done. I went alone... I have seen that the rule of law is broken. (This is) not a political opinion. Land was also grabbed. It was a violation of human rights," she said.

Ms Tibrewal also said she had received complaints from scores of women, but was refraining from naming them over concerns of reprisal. "There was a lady who went to visit her father... she was taken in daylight and raped by (Sheikh) Shahjahan and other workers," she claimed.

The case against Sheikh Shahjahan is presently under the jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Sandeshkhali issue has emerged as a prime target for criticism against the Trinamool Congress. The opposition has accused Ms. Banerjee of protecting Sheikh Shahjahan. In response, the Trinamool has retaliated by highlighting allegations against Brij Bhushan Singh, a sitting BJP MP and former wrestling body chief, who has been accused of sexual assault by women wrestlers.

The BJP has taken steps to nominate Rekha Patra, one of the women who has alleged sexual assault by Shahjahan, as a candidate for the Basirhat seat, which encompasses the island of Sandeshkhali.