Singur prohibitory order ''misuse of power'': HC

Kolkata, Feb 14 (UNI) The Calcutta High Court today struck down the prohibitory order imposed by the authorities under section 144 of the CrPC in Singur in early February, fearing largescale violence.

The district administration had promulgated the prohibitory order in Singur, about 40 km west of Kolkata, on February 4 after political parties threatened to launch strong agitation in protest against the acquisition of agricultural land by the government.

The state government acquired nearly 1000 acres of agricultural land in the village near a national highway for the Tata Motor's small car project, triggering widespread protest from different quarters.

Justice Dipankar Dutta passed the ruling on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the committee for the protection of agricultural lands.

Justice Dutta setting aside the prohibitory order, observed that the way it was imposed did not confirm to the law and it was a case ''bad in law and misuse of power''.

UNI