A farmer, who was called a Maoist and ordered to be arrested by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee last year, Monday approached the Calcutta High Court for compensation for violation of his human rights.
Shiladitya Chowdhury's writ petition was filed before the court of Justice Sanjib Banerjee, seeking a direction to the state government to pay him Rs.2 lakh compensation which was recommended by the West Bengal Human Right Commission (WBHRC) for his "loss of dignity and social status".
"The commission had made the recommendations July 15 giving the state government eight weeks for compliance. But the government is still to act on it. So, we approached the court seeking a suitable order," said his counsel P.P. Kanjilal.
Addressing a rally in the Maoist-affected Belpahari area in West Midnapore district, Banerjee last year branded Chowdhury a "Maoist" and had him arrested after he dared to ask her about the government's policies towards farmers.
In a scathing criticism of Banerjee while making the recommendation, the WBHRC said Banerjee's remark was tantamount to "serious adverse social and psychological effects and affected the dignity of Chowdhury, who is not a Maoist".
The petition will come up for hearing Dec 12.