Has the Calcutta HC ordered a personal inquiry into the harassment of lawyers and the defamation of a judge?
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Synopsis
In a pivotal move, the Calcutta High Court has mandated the Kolkata Police Commissioner to conduct a personal investigation into the harassment faced by lawyers and the public defamation of a judge during protests against a prominent advocate. This case has raised serious concerns about judicial integrity and the treatment of legal professionals.
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court takes a strong stance on harassment against lawyers.
- Commissioner Verma is tasked with a personal investigation.
- Legal notices issued to key individuals involved in the protests.
- Judicial integrity is paramount in a democratic society.
- Preservation of evidence is essential for justice.
Kolkata, May 2 (NationPress) A specially convened three-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court addressed the suo motu case regarding the harassment of lawyers and maligning of a judge during protest demonstrations targeting senior advocate and CPI-M Rajya Sabha member Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya last month. On Friday, the court mandated Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma to take personal charge of the investigation.
The judicial panel, comprising Justice Arijit Bandopadhyay, Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj, instructed the Police Commissioner to submit a comprehensive report to the court following the investigation.
The police were also directed to safeguard the CCTV footage from the protest site, located near Bhattacharya’s office and the Calcutta High Court complex.
The bench further ordered that legal notifications be issued to 15 individuals, including Trinamool Congress state General Secretary Kunal Ghosh, with the Registrar General of the high court responsible for ensuring proper delivery.
During the hearings on Friday, the division bench noted the unfortunate nature of the protest, deeming it a form of criminal contempt of court.
The protest occurred outside Bhattacharya’s chamber last month, where he presented various arguments in the school job scam cases in West Bengal, which many protesters believed influenced negative court rulings resulting in job terminations for numerous teaching and non-teaching staff in state-run schools.
Last week's protests also included derogatory remarks directed at Justice Biswajit Basu due to some of his adverse observations in connection with these school job scams.
On April 29, the Calcutta High Court initiated suo motu proceedings after members of the Calcutta High Court Bar Association brought this situation to the attention of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Chaitali Chattopadhyay, filing a contempt of court petition.
Chief Justice Sivagnanam acknowledged the petition and instructed the Kolkata Police to promptly identify those responsible for the unrest, demanding a report on how such incidents could occur with police presence, jeopardizing the integrity of the judiciary.
Point of View
I believe this incident reflects the urgent need for safeguarding the dignity of the judiciary and ensuring that advocates can perform their duties without fear of harassment. The Calcutta High Court's decisive action underlines the importance of maintaining respect for legal institutions in our democracy.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Calcutta High Court's intervention?
The Calcutta High Court intervened following protests against senior advocate Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, which involved harassment of lawyers and derogatory comments directed at a judge, raising concerns about judicial integrity.
Who is responsible for investigating the harassment claims?
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma has been directed by the Calcutta High Court to personally investigate the harassment of lawyers and the defamation of a judge.
What legal actions were taken against the protesters?
The court ordered legal notices to be served to 15 individuals, including political figures, involved in the protests, highlighting the serious nature of the incidents.
What implications does this case have for the legal community?
This case underscores the necessity of protecting legal professionals from harassment and ensuring the judiciary's authority is upheld, which is vital for the rule of law.
Why were CCTV footage and evidence preserved?
The preservation of CCTV footage is crucial for verifying the events during the protests and ensuring that the investigation can proceed with accurate evidence.
