Kolkata, May 14:The Calcutta High Court on Thursday instructed the West Bengal government to “strictly maintain law and order on the ground” amid allegations of post-poll violence across the state.

The court further directed the police to ensure the safety of individuals who had fled their homes, fearing retaliatory attacks after the elections, and to facilitate their safe return to their properties, regardless of political affiliation.

The interim order was issued by a bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen during the hearing of a writ petition filed by Sirsanya Bandyopadhyay. Former Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief Mamata Banerjee also appeared before the Court as an Advocate and demanded safety and security of citizens. She urged maintaining the post-polls law and order situation across the state.

She reportedly urged the court to “protect the people of Bengal” and criticised alleged inaction by authorities.

The petition highlighted widespread violence targeting workers and TMC offices following the announcement of the 2026 assembly election results on May 4.