The Calcutta High Court today
declared as unconstitutional the West Bengal government's
decision to withdraw recognition to police associations in the
state.
Justice Dipankar Gupta directed that the decision was
in violation of constitutional provisions and against natural
justice.
The West Bengal government had in 2011, after the new
Trinamool Congress dispensation took charge, cancelled
recognition of three police associations stating that it
wanted to keep the police force free of any political bias.
The associations -- West Bengal Non-gazetted Police
Karmachari Association, West Bengal Police Association and
Calcutta Police Association had moved the high court
challenging the government's decision.
Counsel Bikash Bhattacharya, appearing for the
Karmachari Association, had submitted during the hearings that
these are not like other trade unions and had no political
affiliation.
Formed decades ago and recognised by the government,
these associations mainly looked after the welfare of
policemen and women, Bhattacharya submitted.
He claimed that the decision to cancel recognition
was arbitrary and unconstitutional.
Hearing in the matter was concluded earlier.
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