Tensions in Tripura have increased after violent incidents in the run-up to civic body elections. (File)
The Supreme Court heard a contempt plea of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which claimed that the law and order situation in Tripura is "worsening" by the day, ahead of civic body elections in the state.
The court asked the Tripura government to clarify on BJP MLA's speech which allegedly called for violence against Trinamool leaders in 'Talibani Style'. "Did the MLA give that speech? If yes then was any action taken against him?" the court questioned.
The court had asked Tripura Police authorities to ensure that no political party is prevented from exercising their rights in accordance with law for political campaigning in a peaceful manner.
Tensions in Tripura increased after violent incidents in the run-up to the elections to the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) and 12 other municipal bodies slated for November 25.
Trinamool earlier alleged that several people sustained injuries after an attack on the residence of Trinamool Congress Tripura unit's Steering Committee chief Subal Bhowmik in Bhagaban Thakur Chowmuni area of Agartala on Sunday.
Here are the Live Updates on Tripura Violence Plea:
Supreme Court asks Tripura Police to ensure smooth election processThe Supreme Court has directed the Tripura Police to take all steps to ensure that polling on November 25 and counting on November 28 takes place peacefully.
The Director General of Police of Tripura and Inspector General Law and Order have been asked to take all steps to ensure that election process is conducted in an orderly manner.
The court also asked the Tripura Police to give details of FIRs and arrests made against those who indulged in violence.
The police needs to ensure security for contesting candidates, the court said.
Non-partisan approach needed. Nobody should be unfairly targeted, the court added.
Supreme Court refuses Trinamool's request on postponing electionsThe Supreme Court has refused to grant Trinamool's request of postponing elections to give them more time for campaigning.
"Postponing elections is a matter of last and extreme recourse," it says.
Justice DY Chandrachud says: "I am very averse to postponing the elections. Postponing elections is an extreme thing in a democracy. It will set the wrong precedent."
"Protect electoral process from any form of taints," the court said.
Trinamool leaders have lost sanity: BJP MPTaking a swipe at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over its recent protest on Tripura violence and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's visit to Delhi, BJP MP Saumitra Khan said that the Trinamool members have "lost their sanity".
Mr Khan said, "TMC wants to expand its wings across India and if it wants to increase its footprint in India, then the party would need at least 2 per cent votes in other states. However, TMC is beating around the bush in West Bengal and not talking about the real issue. They protest outside the Home Ministry and indulge in gimmick. TMC is a drama party."
Petitioners making mountains out of molehills: Lawyer Lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani, appearing for the Tripura government, told the top court: "The MLA has been called for questioning. I don't think the speech incited violence. Petitioners are making mountains out of molehills."
Lawyer Jaideep Gupta, appearing for Trinamool says security situation is so bad that the CPM party has even withdrawn its candidature.
"We don' want to go into the bickering right now. We only want to add police presence," Justice DY Chandrachud said.
The Supreme Court will resume its hearing in the Tripura violence case at 3:45 pm.
Supreme Court questions Tripura governmentThe Supreme Court has asked the Tripura government to clarify on BJP MLA's speech which allegedly called for violence against Trinamool leaders in 'Talibani Style'.
"Did the MLA give that speech? If yes then was any action taken against him?" the court questioned.
The court also asked the Tripura government to consider deploying additional battalion of Central paramilitary force for security.
On August 18, Tripura BJP MLA Arun Chandra Bhowmik had allegedly asked party workers To attack Trinamool leaders in 'Talibani Style'. Petitioners raised the issue of this speech in court today.
Trinamool brought over 1,000 people to create unrest in Tripura: Union MinisterSlamming Trinamool Congress (TMC), Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik has alleged that more than a thousand people from West Bengal were brought in Tripura, by Trinamool, to create unrest in the state.
Mr Bhoumik said, "What is the situation in Bengal. BJP Karyakartas are spending their days in uncertainty in Bengal after the Trinamool Congress once again came to power. Lakhs of people could not return to their houses after the assembly elections ended in the state. The modesty of many women BJP supporters had been outraged by the goons of Trinamool".
"Will Seek Report": Amit Shah To TrinamoolTrinamool Congress (TMC) MPs met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi over alleged police brutality in Tripura on Monday afternoon. After the meeting, Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee said that Mr Shah has told the party delegation that he will seek a report from the state government.
"We told him in detail how leaders were arrested and MPs were beaten up. He (Amit Shah) said he spoke to Tripura CM over the phone yesterday and will seek a report from the state," Mr Banerjee told ANI.