Has the Calcutta HC Formed a Panel to Address Lawyer Harassment in the Bengal School Job Case?
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Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court has taken significant steps to address the harassment of lawyers amid protests against senior lawyer Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya. This ongoing situation raises questions about judicial integrity and the protection of legal professionals in India. Stay tuned for developments in this high-profile case.
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court has initiated proceedings on lawyer harassment.
- A special bench has been formed to examine the case.
- Protests were aimed at a senior lawyer's involvement in a controversial case.
- Judicial integrity and the safety of legal professionals are at stake.
- The police response to protests has come under scrutiny.
Kolkata, April 29 (NationPress) The Calcutta High Court has launched suo motu proceedings concerning the harassment of lawyers and the public disparagement of a judge following protests against prominent attorney and CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya last week.
On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court issued a notification establishing a three-judge special bench to address this issue. The judges appointed to the special bench include Justice Arijit Bandopadhyay, Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj.
However, the timetable for the initial hearing by the special bench remains unspecified.
The protests occurred last week outside Bhattacharya’s chamber located on the court premises.
During the trial related to the school job scam, Bhattacharya presented several arguments which the protesters claim contributed to the final ruling in the case. Consequently, they argue, this led to adverse court orders resulting in the termination of employment for numerous teaching and non-teaching personnel in state-run educational institutions.
During these protests, demonstrators also directed offensive remarks towards Justice Basu due to his unfavorable comments in various cases.
On Monday, members of the Calcutta High Court Bar Association brought the entire situation to the attention of the High Court’s division bench, led by Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Chaitali Chattopadhyay, by filing a contempt of court petition.
Justice Sivagnanam acknowledged the petition and instructed the Kolkata Police to promptly identify those responsible for the disturbance. He also requested a report from the city police commissioner, Manoj Kumar Verma, detailing how such incidents could occur in the presence of law enforcement.
The Bar Association members criticized the police for their inaction while the protests persisted for nearly three hours.
Point of View
The recent actions taken by the Calcutta High Court underscore the importance of maintaining judicial integrity and protecting legal professionals from public harassment. The events reflect broader issues within the legal system and society's response to judicial decisions. Upholding the rule of law must be balanced with the rights of individuals to express dissent, but it is crucial that such expressions do not cross into intimidation or threats.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Calcutta High Court to take action?
The High Court initiated proceedings following reports of harassment towards lawyers and public slander against a judge during protests against senior lawyer Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya.
Who are the judges on the special bench?
The special bench comprises Justice Arijit Bandopadhyay, Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj.
What were the protests about?
The protests were against the arguments made by Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya during the school job scam trial, which some believe contributed to negative judicial outcomes for state school employees.
How did the police respond to the protests?
Members of the Bar Association criticized the police for their lack of action during the protests, which lasted nearly three hours.
What are the implications of this situation for lawyers?
This situation raises concerns about the safety and integrity of legal professionals, highlighting the need for adequate protections against public harassment and threats.
