The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday directed the West Bengal government to file a comprehensive report detailing the steps taken to prevent attacks on political workers while hearing a public interest litigation alleging assaults on MPs, MLAs and workers of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC).

A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen also directed police officers to follow the applicable guidelines and take necessary steps in the event of any untoward incident. The matter has been listed for further consideration on July 20.

Senior Advocate Kalyan Bandopadhyay, appearing in support of the PIL, pressed for interim directions, contending that attacks on political workers had become a recurring phenomenon.

"Pass orders. When people are endangered every day. One cannot come out of the airport," he submitted, referring to recent incidents. He also alleged that public representatives had made inflammatory statements, submitting, "Their minister is saying throw eggs. One MLA is asking for bulldozer. What steps have been taken?"

The Bench, however, expressed reservations about granting immediate interim relief.

"We will pass an order but there is no occasion for an interim order. We cannot pass a holistic order," the Court observed.

During the hearing, the Bench emphasised that isolated arrests alone could not resolve the larger problem.

"In one or two cases if you arrest, the problem will not be solved. It is social perception. You cannot dehumanise a person," the Court remarked.

When the Additional Advocate General submitted that numerous FIRs had already been registered, the Court responded that the State bore a greater responsibility whenever a person was in its custody.

"When the State is taking custody of a person, it is the duty of the State to protect," the Bench observed.

While acknowledging the petitioner's concerns, the Court said, "We are with you. He also agrees this is wrong," referring to the State's submission that such incidents were unacceptable. At the same time, it noted that the authorities must be given an opportunity to place their response on record and that the Court could not issue directions that were incapable of implementation.

Dictating its order, the Bench directed: "State to file a comprehensive report of compliance steps taken. Police officers to follow guidelines and to take care of these matters and take necessary steps in case any untoward incidents happen."

The matter will next be heard on July 20.