Kolkata, 29 May (H.S.): Actor Parambrata Chattopadhyay has received major relief from the Calcutta High Court in connection with a case related to alleged post-poll violence remarks. The court on Friday directed that no coercive police action be taken against the actor for the next four weeks in connection with the FIR lodged against him.

However, the court clarified that the investigation into the matter would continue and that the actor must cooperate fully with the probe.

The order was passed by a judge of the Calcutta High Court on Friday. The court also directed the state government to submit an investigation report during the next hearing, after which further decisions will be taken.

The case dates back to the aftermath of the 2021 West Bengal Assembly election results. It has been alleged that after the declaration of the election results in 2021, Parambrata had posted certain controversial and allegedly provocative comments on X (formerly Twitter). Based on these allegations, a complaint was registered against the actor at Gariahat Police Station on May 21 this year.

Appearing on behalf of the actor, the defence counsel argued before the court that there was no justification for filing an FIR nearly five years after the alleged comments were made. The lawyer contended that the complaint lacked any substantial basis and that the posts did not cause any direct harm. The FIR has been registered under Sections 153A and 109 of the Indian Penal Code. The defence sought quashing of the FIR.

On the other hand, the complainant’s counsel alleged that Parambrata’s remarks had contributed to the post-election violence in the state. According to the complainant, the actor’s posts on X had further aggravated tensions in West Bengal at that time and affected many people.

In connection with the same case, the police had earlier issued a notice summoning the actor for questioning. Actress Swastika Mukherjee was also named in the matter. She had already appeared before the Gariahat Police Station and responded to police queries.

The High Court has now granted interim relief to Parambrata Chattopadhyay with conditions while allowing the investigation to proceed.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey