Cancelling recognition to WB police unions unconstitutional: HC

The Calcutta High Court on Monday 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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