Why Did the Calcutta HC Order an Affidavit Against the Reappointment of a Tainted Registrar?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, the Calcutta High Court has ordered a state university in West Bengal to justify the reappointment of a former registrar previously accused of financial forgery. This decision raises questions about accountability in educational institutions and the integrity of their administrative decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court demands accountability from educational institutions.
- Reappointment of officials with a tainted record raises ethical concerns.
- Importance of transparency in governance within universities.
- Legal implications for Burdwan University following the court's directive.
- Continued scrutiny of investigations into financial misconduct.
Kolkata, Sep 9 (NationPress) A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court has instructed the officials of a West Bengal state university to submit an affidavit justifying the re-appointment of a former registrar with a tainted past, who was previously implicated in financial forgery.
The university in question is Burdwan University, located in the East Burdwan district, and the former registrar under scrutiny is Sujit Chowdhury.
During his prior tenure, Chowdhury faced allegations of financial misconduct amounting to Rs 2 crore.
A recent petition was filed in the Calcutta High Court challenging the university's decision to reinstate him.
The case was heard by Justice Tirthankar Ghosh on Tuesday afternoon, who expressed astonishment at the university authorities' decision.
Subsequently, Justice Ghosh mandated the Burdwan University officials to file an affidavit by September 25, providing a thorough explanation regarding Chowdhury's reappointment.
In the affidavit, the university must clarify to the court the reasoning behind reappointing someone with such allegations.
Once the affidavit is submitted, the other involved parties will have the opportunity to present their arguments in the case.
The next hearing is scheduled for December 9.
Initially, the investigation was handled by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal, but the responsibility was later transferred to a team from the Kolkata Police.
Despite this shift, the investigation has been slow, with only one Group-D employee, Bhakta Mondal, being arrested.
Justice Ghosh also raised questions about the police's role in the investigation process.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the implications of this case. The Calcutta High Court's directive underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in educational institutions. This situation reflects broader concerns regarding governance in academia, and it is imperative that institutions uphold their integrity to maintain public trust.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Calcutta High Court to intervene?
The court intervened following a petition challenging the reappointment of Sujit Chowdhury, a former registrar accused of financial forgery.
What are the allegations against the former registrar?
Sujit Chowdhury was previously accused of financial irregularities amounting to Rs 2 crore during his tenure.
What is the significance of the affidavit ordered by the court?
The affidavit will require the university to provide a detailed explanation for Chowdhury's reappointment, essential for accountability.
When is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for December 9.
Who initially conducted the investigation into the allegations?
The investigation was initially conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal.
