In Brief
In this criminal appeal, the Supreme Court cancelled bail granted by the High Court to accused persons charged with leading a violent mob attack on a political opponent's home following election results in West Bengal. The complainant, a Hindu resident who had campaigned for the Bharatiya Janta Party, was attacked by approximately 40-50 assailants armed with weapons. His wife was stripped and sexually assaulted. The Court held that the gravity of the offences—forming an unlawful assembly, launching a concerted attack motivated by political revenge, and sexual violence—constituted an attack on democratic roots. The accused's demonstrated influence over local police (who initially refused to register a complaint) and non-cooperation during trial established imminent risk of tampering with witnesses and evidence. The Court remitted the respondents to custody and directed trial completion within six months with witness protection measures.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.