Why Did Calcutta HC Judge Recuse from Hearing Kalyan Banerjee's Argument?
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Synopsis
In a surprising courtroom incident, a Calcutta High Court judge has recused herself from a pivotal post-poll violence case after expressing frustration over Kalyan Banerjee's arguments. This development raises questions about courtroom decorum and the implications for the ongoing legal proceedings.
Key Takeaways
- Judge recuses due to argumentative frustration.
- Two police officers are implicated in post-poll violence.
- Justice requires judicial decorum in court proceedings.
- Banerjee's comments sparked tensions in the courtroom.
- Alternative judicial avenues suggested for expedited hearings.
Kolkata, July 25 (NationPress) A judge of the Calcutta High Court has recused herself from a case involving two Kolkata Police officers accused of being conspirators in the post-poll violence that erupted in West Bengal following the 2021 Assembly elections. This decision came after the judge expressed her displeasure with the argumentative style of senior advocate and four-time Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member, Kalyan Banerjee.
On July 18, a special court of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Kolkata had ordered the remand of retired assistant commissioner of Kolkata Police, Subhojit Sen, along with lady sub-inspector Ratna Sarkar and home guard Dipankar Debnath. All three are implicated in the murder of BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar, which took place amid the post-poll unrest in 2021.
Sarkar and Debnath subsequently submitted a bail plea to Justice Suvra Ghosh of the Calcutta High Court. During the hearing on Friday, Justice Ghosh grew frustrated with Banerjee's argumentative approach and ultimately decided to recuse herself.
Banerjee, representing the accused officers, had pushed for their immediate release on bail. However, Justice Ghosh indicated that a more extensive hearing was necessary and added that she would be unavailable for the next 15 days due to her commitments at a circuit branch of the Calcutta High Court.
She recommended that Banerjee seek another bench if he required swift action. In his arguments, Banerjee compared Justice Ghosh's approach to that of another judge known for similar rulings, which led to tensions in the courtroom.
Justice Ghosh firmly responded to Banerjee's remarks, stating that she would not tolerate such comments regarding the court's proceedings, asserting that he was overstepping.
Consequently, she recused herself from the case and advised Banerjee to find another bench for his plea.
Point of View
This incident reflects ongoing tensions in the judicial system concerning high-profile cases. The recusal of a judge over perceived argumentative misconduct highlights the need for decorum and respect within the courtroom. It is vital for the judiciary to maintain its integrity, especially in politically charged cases.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the judge's recusal in this case?
The judge recused herself due to frustration with Kalyan Banerjee's argumentative style during the hearing.
Who are the accused in the post-poll violence case?
The accused include retired assistant commissioner Subhojit Sen, lady sub-inspector Ratna Sarkar, and home guard Dipankar Debnath.
What was the outcome of the CBI's recent actions?
The CBI remanded the accused to judicial custody until July 31, following their involvement in the murder of BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar.
What alternative did the judge suggest to Banerjee?
The judge suggested that Banerjee seek another bench if he required an expedited hearing for the bail plea.
What was Banerjee's reaction during the hearing?
Banerjee expressed his dissatisfaction with the judicial process and drew comparisons to another judge, which contributed to the judge's frustration.
