Kolkata: A staff member at the West Bengal Governor House, who previously accused Governor CV Ananda Bose of sexual harassment, has now taken her case to the Supreme Court to contest the constitutional immunity granted to the Governor.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the petitioner is questioning whether the acts of sexual harassment should be considered part of the Governor’s official duties, thereby warranting immunity. She argues that this immunity leaves victims without immediate recourse, forcing them to wait until the accused is out of office, thus delaying justice. Her plea advocates for a reevaluation of the immunity terms to ensure they do not shield wrongful acts under official duties.
Further, the petition highlights the need for actionable guidelines regarding the extent of the Governor’s immunity to allow police investigations and accountability measures against such high office holders. It calls for an in-depth investigation by the West Bengal Police, along with protective measures for her and her family, and seeks compensation for the reputational and emotional damage suffered. The initial complaint detailed incidents on April 24 and May 2, where she was allegedly lured under false pretenses to the Governor House and harassed. Following her accusations, an FIR was filed against the Governor’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and other staff members for allegedly trying to coerce her into silence, though this was temporarily halted by the Calcutta High Court in May.