On 17 September 2025, the Calcutta High Court sharply criticized the West Bengal government for its delay in providing compensation to Hindu families affected by the recent anti-Hindu violence in Murshidabad.
The unrest, sparked by protests against the Waqf Amendment Bill, caused significant damage, with homes destroyed, businesses looted, and communities left in distress.
During the hearing, the bench expressed deep concern over the slow response to the crisis, highlighting that many Hindu families are still waiting for support months after the violence. Despite widespread destruction, including burned houses and looted shops, the court noted that victims have not yet received meaningful compensation or assistance for their rehabilitation.
The judges demanded that the state government provide a clear timeline for disbursing compensation and a detailed rehabilitation plan for the affected Hindu families. They warned that the continued delay in providing relief could exacerbate the suffering of victims and heighten communal tensions in the already volatile Murshidabad region.
Legal experts have emphasized that the court’s intervention underscores the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of communities impacted by targeted violence. The bench reminded the government of its duty to protect the welfare and safety of all citizens, asserting that victims of communal violence should not be left waiting for bureaucratic processes to unfold.
Eyewitness reports and local accounts from Murshidabad paint a troubling picture of the aftermath. Many Hindu families were displaced, with some seeking shelter in relief camps, while others struggled to rebuild their lives without adequate government assistance. The court’s directive is expected to expedite the distribution of compensation and bring relief to these communities.
This action by the Calcutta High Court sends a strong message to the West Bengal government that communal violence, particularly when it targets vulnerable Hindu communities, must be addressed swiftly and effectively. Authorities have been ordered to present a practical plan for immediate compensation and long-term measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The violence in Murshidabad, coupled with the court’s decisive stance, has reignited debates on communal harmony, the accountability of the government, and the protection of minority groups in West Bengal, highlighting the pressing need for preventive actions to avert further unrest.